Hodges Sidney Gallop III, 71, better known as either “Hodge” or “Hodgie”, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA.
Hodge was a brilliant man with a variety of hobbies. During his life, he loved raising Tropical & Saltwater Fish, making & designing salt water aquariums, raising Desert Tortoises, watching Stars & Galaxies from his telescopes (Star Trek was his favorite, of course), sailing, kayaking, horticulture, helping a Beekeeper while living in Pine Island, and lastly loving his African Grey parrot known as “Dorian Grey”.
He is survived by his two Sisters, Sandy Derlin (Sanderlin) Gallop of Virginia Beach, VA, and Melinda Leigh Gallop of Miami, Florida; niece, Vanessa Leigh Wilhelmi Schwaner (Jordan) of Yokohama, Japan; sister-in law, Susan E. Gallop of New Castle, Delaware; nephew, Dwight O. Gallop Jr. of New Castle, Delaware; cousins Jean Marie & Kim and their spouses/families; as well as his many friends throughout California, Arizona, Utah, Denver, Staten Island & Southampton NY, Tampa, Fort Meyers, Pine Island and Miami, Florida.
Hodgie also made many new and wonderful friends while living in Virginia Beach with his sister the last 4 years.
He is predeceased by Garry Joseph Smith, his longtime partner and best friend; parents, Hodges S. Gallop Jr. & Thelma Estelle Gallop; brothers Dwight Owen Gallop Sr., & Gregory Leland Gallop; and cousins Martha & Bill Whaley.
Hodgie was a generous, kind, and loving brother. He was also a wonderful friend to everyone he met… You will be missed my Dear Brother – Forever in our Hearts 1-4-3
A small memorial service where military honors will be rendered will be held on August 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434.
The family requests that memorial contributions, if made, may be given to either organization listed below:
Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Norfolk, VA
https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/support/give/
Or
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert, CA
https://www.livingdesert.org or call (706)346-5694, ext. 2166
https://www.livingdesert.org/contact-us/community-donation-request/
Sande, Sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. I know you were really close and he will be missed. You will always have good memories to hold onto. Thinking of you. Love, Candy
Sandy, so sorry for the loss of your love one. May God give you peace doing this difficult time.
Sande, So very sorry to learn of Hodgie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary
Dear Sandy, Melinda and family,
Hodges great sense of humor and love of animals will be greatly missed. Whether playing a game of backgammon in front of his huge aquarium, finding a clear enough night (in LA that doesn’t happen often!) to set up his telescope so he could show us the stars or just hanging out, his smile, twinkling eyes and laugh was infectious. We shared many happy times together.
Love,
Joanne & Rob
Sandy,
So sorry to hear of Hodgie’s passing . I know it’s been a though 4 years for both of you . Sending prayers and hugs . Please call if we can do anything . Sorry we’ll be out of town for the memorial service .