Andrell Garnett Hodge, affectionately called “Drell,” was born on November 19, 1965, in Fort Hood, Texas, to Lillie Jeraldine (McGriff) and Andrew Hodge, Jr.

After his father’s sudden death in Vietnam, his mother later remarried and Andrell gained a father, Henry W. Boyd, Jr. Andrell confessed the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and was a member of the New Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Bascom, Florida.

Andrell attended Riverside Elementary School. His parents received military orders to move abroad to Fulda, Germany, where he continued his education through middle school. After completion of the tour in Germany, the family relocated to Fort Drum, New York, and he furthered his schooling at Carthage High School. He sang tenor in the Protestant Church Choir on post. In the winter months, he enjoyed snowmobiling with his friends. While in school, he took an interest in tennis and was also on the varsity football and basketball team.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served three years and received the rank of E-4, specializing in Air Assault. He toured in Germany, where he was on the 93D Signal Brigade Championship basketball team. Andrell was later stationed with the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Upon completion of his assignment, he enlisted in the Army Reserves for four years.

Andrell attended Chipola College and later became employed with the Russell Corporation, where he served as a lead mechanic for a number of years. Deciding it was time for a career change, he became an officer for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and was employed until 2006.

Andrell enjoyed life and was one for adventure. He was an avid Miami Hurricanes fan, and he enjoyed watching both college football and basketball. He had a passion for anything with wheels—antique cars, hot rods, motorcycles, ATVs, and tractors. On weekends, he attended the races on the Cottonwood Dragway.

His love for cars led him to Gainesville, Florida, every year to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Gatornationals drag racing event. When not riding his four-wheeler, he enjoyed spending time with those he loved; and at every family gathering, you could be sure to find him with a flock of little cousins eagerly waiting to hear one of his bigger-than-life stories. He had a unique way of making those around him laugh and anxiously wait for the next story.

To know Andrell was to love him. His battle with serious medical issues showed his courage in facing life challenges without complaining. On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. EST, Andrell transitioned from his earthly life to his eternal life, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. He fought a good fight until the end and came out victoriously.

Andrell leaves to cherish a lifetime of memories and a loving, devoted family: his parents, Jerry and Henry Boyd of Marianna, Florida; his sister and brother, Monica and Shawn Edwards of Tallahassee, Florida; niece and nephew, Terryn and Shawn “Deuce” Edwards II; aunts, Barbara McRae of Toledo, Ohio, Bettye Taylor of Browns Mills, New Jersey, Ethel McGriff, Genoa Williams, and Sallye (Carl) McCollough, all of Bascom, Florida, Deloris McGriff Lugg of Manalapan, New Jersey, Mayomie Spivey and Mattie Carter, (Robert) both of Boston, Massachusetts, Eloise (Darius) Burge of Wilson, North Carolina, Alice Boyd of Blountstown, Florida, and Linda Boyd of Clarksville, Tennessee; uncles, Willis (Christine) McGriff of Copperas Cove, Texas, David (Alice) McGriff of Valdosta, Georgia, Herman (Tonja) McGriff, Sr. of Spanaway, Washington, Lenoris (Willie Lou) Hodge of Campbellton, Florida, J. Edgar (Florence) Boyd of Stockton, California, Leonard Boyd of Blountstown, and Florida, Wayne (Catherine) Boyd of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; great-aunts, Rosetta Green, of Miami, Florida, Odistine McGriff of Bascom, Florida, and Frances Hodge of Marianna, Florida; special cousins who were raised like siblings, aka “The Jackson County Crew”; special friends, Willie and Shyrl Peek of Harker Heights, Texas and Angela Saulsberry of Grand Ridge, Florida; daughter and grands, Andrica Barnes of Grand Ridge, Florida, Zyion Straker, Lyric, Kayden, and Khalon Barnes; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, 12:00 pm, at the New Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5239 Liberty Hill Road, Bascom, Florida where Elder Dr. Nelson D. Wilson is Pastor. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna.