Mr. Wayne Hodge
Mr. Wayne Hodge, age 90 of Carthage, Tennessee passed away peacefully at 11:45 a.m. Saturday morning February 7, 2026 at the Quality Center for Rehabilitation & Healing in Lebanon, Tennessee following a period of declining health.
Graveside service and interment will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the Smith County Memorial Gardens with a Masonic Graveside Service by Carthage Benevolent Lodge #14 and Military Honors by American Legion Post #57 of Carthage.
Born Arnold Wayne Hodge in Johnson City, Tennessee on March 12, 1935, he was the son of Cecil Herman Hodge, who died on December 29, 1953 at the age of 51, and Clara Nell Godsey Hodge, who died on September 27, 1998 at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by brothers, James Melvin Hodge, who died on April 4, 1933 at the age of 11, Paul Douglas Hodge, who died on March 11, 2000 at the age of 74, Marion Cecil Hodge Sr., who died on March 11, 2004 at the age of 79, and Harold Herman Hodge, who died on January 19, 2007 at the age of 70
Mr. Hodge was a graduate of Science Hill High School in Johnson City Tennessee. On October 15, 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served as an instructor marksman to Navy and Marine Corps servicemen for the Weapons Training Battalion at Parris Island, SC during the Korean Conflict. He received the National Defense Service Medal and many Sharpshooter, Marksman and Expert Medals before his Honorable Discharge following 3 years, 4 months, and 18 days of service to his Country.
On February 22, 1954 in Gate City, Virginia, he was united in marriage to the former Nancy Lynn Austin, also from Johnson City who preceded him in death on April 12, 2014 following over 60 years of marriage.
By chance, Mr. and Mrs. Hodge met and became close friends with Grand Ole Opry Star, Little Jimmy Dickens and his wife Mona, and for a while led to personal management, bookings, and a few recordings, as well as many good times at Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville. Mr. Hodge credited Mr. Dickens for his start and long history in the music business.
Mr. Hodge became a Country Music Executive and owner of independent country music label Stargem Records. He was completely dedicated to the unknown singer and songwriter. At the center of Music Row (16th Ave.), he built a state of the art recording studio that major artists and producers used for years in the 80’s and 90’s, and still today (currently owned by Curb Records). He created the first ever Independent Country Record Charts because Billboard, Cashbox and other top chart magazines refused to follow independent artists and songwriters. Mr. Hodge spent almost 40 years in the business prior to his retirement.
Surviving are his children, Dan Hodge & wife Sabra of Carthage, Kelly Morris & husband Darryl of Mt. Juliet, Lisa Wright & husband Kevin of Franklin; three grandchildren, Tyler Hodge & wife Alissa, Katelyn Woodard & husband Chris, Chelsea Adams & husband Troy; nine great-grandchildren, Lucas, Calvin, Bella, Rosie, Millie, Marilyn, Colton, Bristol, & Owen.
In lieu of flowers you may send a donation to Smith County Humane c/o Sanderson Funeral Home.
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