Former Amarillo Mayor, prominent businessman, philanthropist Jerry Hodge dies at 81

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Jerry Hodge, a former Amarillo mayor, as well as businessman and philanthropist, died Thursday at age 81.

Hodge served as the Mayor of Amarillo from 1977 through 1981. He was the youngest mayor in city history.

He also served on the City Council from 1973 until 1977.

“We just learned of the passing of one of Amarillo’s dearest leaders. Jerry Hodge has left a legacy of servant leadership in Amarillo and will always be remembered as a true professional," said current Mayor Cole Stanley. "Our prayers are with his family and closest friends.”

“There isn’t anyone who loved Amarillo more than Jerry Hodge," Les Simpson, Councilmember Place 4, said. "His commitment to service and philanthropy will benefit our city for years to come.”

A licensed pharmacist, Hodge turned a local pharmacy, Maxor Drugs, into Maxor National Pharmacy Services Corporation, serving as chairman and chief executive officer until his retirement in 2016.

He served on the Texas State Board of Pharmacy from 1981 to 1987, including a stint as president from 1984 to 1985.

Hodge also served as chairman and vice-chairman of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Board.

The School of Pharmacy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, established in 1993, was named after Hodge in 2019 to honor his dedication to the field, according to its website.

Hodge and his wife also donated $10 million to help establish TTUHSC's School of Veterinary Medicine.

When the Amarillo Sod Poodles came to town in 2019, their home stadium in downtown Amarillo was named "Hodgetown" in honor of Hodge. He helped bring the team to town while serving on the operation committee of Amarillo's Local Government Corporation.

The City of Amarillo released the following statement on Hodge's passing:

There have been many people who left their imprint on Amarillo – none bigger than Jerry Hodge. From becoming the youngest mayor in city history to leading the way to historic progress throughout the city, Hodge’s list of accomplishments is second to none. His leadership and influence ranges from the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to “Hodgetown” – the downtown multipurpose event venue that brought professional baseball back to Amarillo. Hodge’s commitment and dedication to Amarillo created a legacy that is unmatched. Hodge’s duty, service and love of Amarillo extended far beyond his extensive business success. Amarillo truly is a better place because of Jerry Hodge.

Details on funeral services have not been released at this time.