In 1993, the Society of Entrepreneurs inducted Richard H. Bodine, recognizing him as an accomplished businessman and generous contributor to Memphis’ civic interests. With the 1962 inception of The Bodine Company in Collierville, Tennessee, Richard Bodine responded to advancements in the lamp/ballast industry by introducing a complete line of tubular and fluorescent ballasts for emergency lighting. Since that time, the Bodine Company has continued to lead the market, providing cutting-edge emergency lighting materials to factory builders through a nationwide network of manufacturer’s representatives and electrical distributors.

The Bodine name has also become synonymous with special education in the Memphis area. Along with his late wife, Virginia, Mr. Bodine realized their dream of providing an educational facility dedicated solely to children with learning disabilities. The Bodine School was established in 1972 in the memory of their only son, Rick, who had been attending the Mills School in Florida. Located in Germantown, Tennessee, The Bodine School gives the chance for a good education to young people who may not have the opportunity to realize their potential in traditional systems.