Leslie Reese Hodges

Leslie Reese Hodges (93) passed on March 5, 2025 in Weeki Wachee, Florida. He was born in Brunswick, Georgia on August 13, 1931. Leslie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Betty, his wife of 60 years, passed before him. He is survived by his two sons Gary and Jeff and his three grandchildren Lucius, Illa, and Evybelle. He served his country in the United States Air Force and then attended Georgia Technical University where he received a degree in Ceramic Engineering. His knowledge and innovative skills of ceramics enabled him to formulate ceramic thermal materials used in the aerospace industry. His formulated materials enabled inter ballistic missiles and rockets to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere without extreme heat transfer. He was a pioneer in his field. In his free time, he loved fishing, gardening, making wine, and growing tobacco for his personal use; he sure loved to smoke cigars! Leslie built his dream home along the Weeki Wachee River. He enjoyed sitting by the river’s edge and blowing large bubbles with his mixed solution, entertaining folks on the river as they passed by. Locally, he became known as the BUBBLE MAN. He touched the lives of many and all have benefited from his eager intellectual conversations. He is dearly missed.