Ralph M. Hodges, Sr., age 88, of South Knoxville, passed away Monday, April 23, 2012, at UT Medical Center. Ralph was a 1942 graduate of Knoxville High School and after graduating he joined the U.S. Navy. In 1947, he graduated from UT and having already completed his officer training, he continued to serve in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves for 20 years, and retired at the rank of commander. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Ralph was an electrical design engineer for TVA and retired in 1986 with over 38 years of service. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and served in many positions, including chairman of the Deacons. Prior to Mt. Olive, Ralph was a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathryn Byrd Hodges; son, Ralph M. Hodges, Jr.; sisters, Eleanor Nipper, Agnes Hodges; brother, Jesse Ross Hodges, Jr. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Tom Davis of Cumming, Ga., and Charlene and Doug Raulerson of Apopka, Fla.; son, J.R. Hodges of Knoxville; grandchildren, Clay Chalfant, Rusty and Jason Dooley, Douglas, Stacy, Jennifer and Victoria Kathryn Raulerson; great-grandchildren, Davis Chalfant, Savannah, Rebecca, Matt and Sarah Dooley, Kyle and Ryan Dooley, Callie and Maggie Raulerson. Family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway, and the funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Deron Cobb officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Tom Davis, Doug Raulerson, Clay Chalfant, Rusty and Jason Dooley and Douglas Raulerson. Honorary pallbearers will be the Kingsmen Sunday School Class. Full military honors by the U.S. Navy Reserve and Volunteer State Honor Guard.