THE funeral of a Wordsley historian, who was killed in a car accident in Cyprus, will take place on Thursday (December 12).
Graham Hodgson, who successfully campaigned to get shamed WWI soldier, Joseph Bateman commemorated on Wordsley’s war memorial, died on Wednesday November 27, aged 58.
His daughter, Lorna Hodgson, aged 25, described her father as “a devoted husband, loving father and committed Christian”.
She told the News: “He was man of great integrity, a true gentlemen and a humble servant – always putting others first.”
Both retired teachers, Mr Hodgson and his wife had been in Cyprus for three months, volunteering in partnership with a local church and university to support and encourage international students. He had assisted students with their English while his wife taught them to swim.
They had ambitions of eventually making a permanent move to the country, where they had made many friends.
Mr Hodgson, of Greenbank Gardens, had taught in Dudley borough primary schools for 33 years and had worked at Netherbrook Primary School, Dudley from 1989 until his retirement in 2010.
Headteacher Phil Rawlings said although he had not worked alongside Mr Hodgson, those who had, spoke highly of him.
He said: “From what I have heard from the rest of the staff, he was a real gentleman, someone who would go out of his way to support other people, an excellent teacher and someone people respected.
“Staff as a whole are really shocked and heartbroken and he will be missed by those that knew him.”
Anyone who wishes to pay their last respects to Mr Hodgson can attend the service at Calvary Church, Stalling’s Lane, Kingswinford at 2pm.