Madison Henry "Matt" Hodges

Madison Henry "Matt" Hodges, born on October 7, 1979, completed his earthly journey and went to his eternal rest on July 22, 2026. During his time with us, Matt touched the lives of those around him with his unique spirit, leaving behind a tapestry of memories cherished by his family and friends. Though he has departed from this life, the imprint of his days on earth remains, and his story lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

The lineage he left behind was one of deep-rooted family ties and enduring memory. In passing, he joined those who had long paved the way before him, reuniting in eternity with his beloved parents, Thomas Henry Hodges and Theresa Morgan Hodges. He was also preceded in death by the pillars of his paternal heritage: his grandfather, Madison Hodges, affectionately known simply as "Papa," and his grandmothers, Luree Hodges, whom the family cherished as "Granny," and Bootsie Hodges. Though they had long since crossed the threshold of this life, their spirits remained a guiding light, and his journey now completes a generational circle as he rests once more in their embrace.

He leaves behind a legacy of profound love and devotion, anchored most deeply by his cherished wife, Amanda Hodges, whom he loved with all his heart. His spirit lives on through his beloved children: Christian Hodges (Kassi) Hunter Hodges, Henry Hodges, and Theresa Hodges, as well as his two bonus children, Lillian Sanders and her husband Dontay, and Caroline Waters. He took immense joy in his role as a grandfather, leaving behind his adored grandchildren, Sadie Luree Hodges, DJ, Destiny Sanders, Serenity Sanders, and Malakai Sanders, who will forever carry forward the warmth and memory of his love.

The void left by Matt’s passing is immeasurable, and he will be missed beyond words by his devoted siblings. He held a unique and irreplaceable place in the hearts of Big Amy Phillips (and her husband, Richard), Little Amy Malphus (and her husband, Darrell), JC Hodges (and his wife, Kirsten), Hazel Royal (and Ali Taylor), Hailey Walker (and her husband, Brian), and Michael “Bubba” Royal (fiancé Daelyn Pearson), and Melissa “Sissy” Owens (David). Whether sharing inside jokes, offering a steady shoulder to lean on, or simply gathering as a family, Matt was the glue that bound them together. The countless memories they created as brothers and sisters will forever be cherished, and his spirit will continue to live on through the love and bond they share. Beyond his siblings, Matt was a doting uncle to his several nieces and nephews, whom he loved deeply and with whom he shared a lifetime of joyful memories. Though he is gone from this world, his warmth, laughter, and steadfast presence remain forever etched in the lives of those he held so dear.

By day, Matt applied his trade as a dedicated electrician at Gulf Stream, where his technical skill and hard work kept operations running smoothly. But when the workday ended, his true passions took center stage. Whether he was casting a line into quiet waters on a peaceful fishing trip, working on his swing out on the golf course, or simply cherishing moments at home with his loved ones, Matt approached his free time with the same enthusiasm and commitment that he brought to his career. For him, a truly fulfilling life was built on a balance of honest work, outdoor recreation, and the warm embrace of family.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate a life well-lived and bid their final farewells during upcoming funeral services scheduled for Sunday, July 26th, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Thompson Strickland Waters, Joiner-Anderson Chapel. Brother Jamie Taylor from Farmdale Baptist Church will be officiating the services, offering words of comfort and remembrance to all in attendance. Following the initial service, the procession will move to the historic grounds of Blue Springs Methodist Church, where traditional graveside services will be held. Surrounded by the peaceful and cherished atmosphere of the churchyard, loved ones will have the opportunity to share memories, offer support, and lay the departed to rest.

In times of profound loss, the final act of carrying a loved one to their place of rest is a sacred duty, traditionally entrusted to those who held the deepest places in the departed’s life. Surrounded by the quiet dignity of family, friends, and shared memories, the pallbearers stepping forward to shoulder this solemn responsibility include Glynn Malphus, Craig Shuman, William Nickle, Christian Hodges, JC Hodges, and Michael “Bubba” Royal. Together, they form a steady bond of support, reflecting the enduring strength of community and the deep personal connections that sustain us even in our darkest hours.