LEWISTON -— Leroy Adley "Roy" Hodges, 75, of Jay, formerly of Wilton, died Thursday, Sept. 3, at Central Maine Medical Center, surrounded by family, after a courageous fight against cholangiocarcinoma.

He was born July 20, 1934, in Phillips, a son of Donald C. and Iola M. (Adley) Hodges. He graduated from Phillips High School and was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army.

On Aug. 4, 1958, he married Roselies Carstens in Basel, Switzerland in a civil ceremony; their church wedding was held Aug. 9 in Frankfurt, Germany. A devoted husband and father, he and his wife raised their family in Wilton, where he was employed for more than 30 years as a hand-sewer at G.H. Bass Shoe Co., until his retirement in 1999. He later worked for Maine Shoe and Cole-Haan and subcontracted as a hand-sewer for J&M Leather Crafters in Industry.

He was a perfectionist at his craft and willingly taught his techniques to those as far away as Japan who wanted to perfect their skills. While working at Bass Shoe, he also was employed by Glenn Adams, a local self-employed plumber. A quiet man with a strong work ethic, he enjoyed working with his hands and making things with wood. He used his work experiences productively in helping his family with home improvement projects of their own.

The thoughtful gift of a set of golf clubs brought a new adventure and shared activity to his life. He, his wife, children and grandsons have enjoyed many golf matches together and with treasured friends. Additionally, in his free time, he and his wife worked well as a team and enjoyed the honors bestowed on them for his award winning homemade wine and beer and her artistic design of their labels at fairs such as the Common Ground Country Fair.

He enjoyed traveling to his wife's homeland, Germany. His most treasured time was spent in the company of his children, grandchildren and new great-granddaughter.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Roselies of Jay; their children, Sylvia Johnson and her husband, Steve, of Richmond, Roland Hodges of Livermore Falls, Barbara Layden of Farmingdale and Brian Hodges and his partner, Geoffrey Gross, of West Gardiner; five grandchildren, Russell Johnson and his wife, Allegra, Brandye Layden, Rainger Layden, Brandon Hodges and Bradley Hodges; one great-granddaughter, Jayda Layden; two brothers, Frank Hodges and his wife, Loraine, of Windham and Larry Hodges and his wife, Clarice, of Dixfield; two sisters, Carrie Worcester and her husband, Russell, of Dixfield and Donna Levesque and her husband, Tony, of Cape Elizabeth; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service was held Saturday, Sept. 12, at Maple Lane Golf Course, River Road, Livermore. Private family committal services with full military honors were held Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 at the new Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.

Remembrance gifts may be given in his memory and in grateful appreciation to the CMMC Oncology Dept., High Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Condolences may be sent via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com.