William Ray Hodge

William ‘Billy’ Ray Hodge passed away peacefully on the morning of June 18th, 2026. Billy was born to his loving parents, Barbara Russell (Hodge) & Jim Hodge in Chico, California in 1971. From the day he was born, he was dearly treasured by his parents and sister, Susan Burns, whose love for him never wavered. Growing up, he could often be found on the water with a fishing pole in hand or on a field playing sports he loved, following his father’s footsteps. Billy excelled at football at Pleasant Valley high school and played one year at Butte College. Billy also loved soccer and played from the age of 5 until he was 18 and later played on a Co-ed team as an adult. When Billy's sister, Susan, married Dean Burns soon thereafter Billy became an uncle to Dustin Burns. Billy was a devoted uncle and mentor and never missed Dustin’s baseball games; Billy imparted his love for fishing and athletics, finding joy in competition, camaraderie and the outdoors to Dustin on their many adventures. Billy married the love of his life, Karen Carlisle, in 2001. Throughout their life together, they frequented water spots,and spent many joyous days in the sunshine. They loved vacationing to Cabo, Cancun and Hawaii, though, Billy enjoyed visiting Tahoe especially. Billy loved watching his favorite football team the Raiders play, during football season most Sundays were spent with family and friends with Billy manning the barbecue and cheering on his team. Billy worked at Alternative Materials Technologies for nine years and later as a shelter monitor at the Torres Community Shelter. Billy is survived by his wife Karen Hodge, his sister and brother-in-law Susan and Dean Burns, his nephew Dustin Burns and soon to be niece Dustin’s fiancée, Gaby Ramirez.