Roll Call Tribute

Ronald Gene "Ron" Hodson 

May 16, 1941 - February 17, 2025 

Ronald "Ron" Gene Hodson, a pioneer of the aquaculture industry and an internationally respected researcher, passed away on February 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in leadership, personal resilience, and an unwavering dedication to family, friends, and community.

Born on May 16, 1941, Ron's journey in fisheries and aquaculture began on his family's farm in Trotwood, Ohio, where he learned the value of hard work, cooperation, and determination alongside his three brothers-Michael, Lynn, and Dennis-and his younger sister, Karen. Excelling in both academics and athletics (voted "Most Athletic" in his senior class in 1959), he went on to play basketball at Wilmington College until a ruptured Achilles tendon led him to transfer to Manchester College, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. Encouraged by a mentor to further his education, Ron earned his Master's at the University of Arkansas and his Doctorate from Texas A&M University, setting the stage for a career defined by passion and perseverance. Shortly after completing his graduate studies in 1973, Ron accepted a research position with North Carolina Sea Grant at NC State University. 

A 1999 plane crash claimed the life of his first wife, Ruthie, and left Ron ultimately reliant on a wheelchair. Despite the profound loss and physical challenges, Ron continued to prove that true leadership knows no bounds. Even into his retirement years, Ron remained a sought-after voice in aquaculture and often spent days at the Pamlico Aquaculture Field Laboratory (Aurora, NC) visiting with local growers and offering his counsel and expertise to the students who continue to be trained there today. Ron's close personal relationships also demonstrate his generous and resilient spirit, as he continued to actively participate in special outings with fellow birders and help neighbors with projects on their acreage. He never let his physical disabilities stop him…ever.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ron found his greatest joy in farm life and time with his family. Ron was blessed with a second chance at love when he met Kay through a mutual friend. From the moment they met, he cherished his time with her, often saying his favorite sight was seeing her smile and never missing a chance to remind her how beautiful she was. Together, they enjoyed 23 wonderful years on their farm, finding joy in the simple moments-sharing morning coffee, talking about their day, watching birds on their many feeders, and even planning what was for dinner that night. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, companionship, and a shared enjoyment of life's simple moments.

Ron loved his rural home in Apex, where he enjoyed a close relationship with his son, Todd, who lived nearby. He also welcomed his bonus daughters, Tricia and Kristi, and loved them as his own. He built a thriving farm filled with a hybrid striped bass pond, a catfish pond, and a huge garden that his kids and grandkids helped plant each April and harvest throughout the summer. His farm was alive with chickens, guineas, peacocks, goats, pigeons, beehives, and several beloved dogs-but none more special than his girl Pidge, a Pitbull/Plott Hound mix, who was always by his side, from riding along on his 4-wheeler to stretching across his lap for an afternoon nap.

Ron loved sharing his knowledge and skills with anyone who wanted to join in on the work. Whether it was juicing and canning tomatoes, trimming goat hooves, properly washing eggs and snapping green beans, or patiently baiting hooks for his grandkids as they fished for hours, piling the catch on ice until it was time for cleaning-always ending with a great fish fry. The list of skills and wisdom he shared was endless, covering everything from the perfect cast-iron skillet cornbread to sharpening knives, identifying birds, and baking a tart homemade cherry pie. He was a teacher in every sense, but most of all, he loved seeing his family thrive. Ron and Kay even built a playground by the "big pond" for the little ones in the family, complete with swings and a slide, a sandbox, and of course a fire pit for countless afternoons of hot dog roasts and s'mores. Many traditions, including Easter Sunday lunches, along with egg coloring and the competitive Easter egg hunt, will be treasured for many years to come.

The blended family Ron and Kay created together was rich with love and the warmth of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Kay; his son, Todd Hodson, and wife, Nohemi; his daughter, Kristi Turner, and husband, Chris; cherished grandchildren, Chelsea, Katie, Emily, Will, Matt, Kara and Dennis; great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Rya and Neo; his brothers Mike, Lynn (Pat), Dennis (Carma Jeanne), and his sister Karen Stumpf (Harold). Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruthie; his parents, Harold and Alberta; his daughter, Tricia Griffin; and his sister-in-law, Barbara.

Ronald Gene Hodson's lifelong contributions to aquaculture and coastal research have left an indelible mark on the industry and on the many lives he touched. He will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking scientific achievements but also for his steadfast character and his unwavering commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and community.

Ron's wishes were for no formal funeral. In honoring Ron's memory, friends, colleagues, and family are encouraged to celebrate a life lived with purpose, perseverance, and passion.