BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Bay Minette business man and one of the founders of Daphne’s Bayside Academy, Robert Morton “Bob” Hodgson, died Monday, Jan. 3. He was 83.

He graduated from The University of Alabama in 1950 with a B.S. in commerce and business administration.

Hodgson returned to Bay Minette and joined the family business at Standard Oil. He later served as executive vice president and chairman of the Board of another family-owned business, Standard Furniture Manufacturing Company Inc. for over 50 years.

In addition to serving as chairman of the board and one of the founders of Bayside, Hodgson served as chairman of the Board of Alabama Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches; chairman of the board for Community Foundation of South Alabama; member of the Board of Directors for SouthTrust Bank of Baldwin County; and member of the Board of Directors for Westminster Village.

He was chosen as the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for the city of Bay Minette in 1991 and was a member of the Bay Minette Kiwanis Club. He was active in fundraising for several organizations, including: The Presbyterian Home for Children, The Shoulder, North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation, Oakwood Center for Living, North Baldwin Wellness Center, and Bayside Academy, from which he received the Outstanding Service Award in 2005. In 2008, he was commended for extraordinary professional achievement and community service for Baldwin County by the Alabama State Legislature.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Doris Crawford Hodgson; daughter, Kimberly Hodgson (Quint) Jardine of Daphne; son, Philip Morton (Sandy) Hodgson of Daphne; two granddaughters, Ann-Brooks Hodgson and Sidney Crawford Hodgson; numerous nieces and nephews; and long-time family friend, Mary Lamar.