Roger Michael "Mike" Hodges

Roger Michael "Mike" Hodges passed away at his home on June 7, 2025. He was born on April 14, 1949 in Newton, MS to Rev. James R. "Bro. Jimmy" Hodges and Ethel Ham "Ms. Ethel" Hodges. Growing up, Mike moved wherever Bro. Jimmy's pastor duties took the family, including New Orleans, LA, Clinton, Bentonia, Hazelhurst, Progress and McComb, Mississippi and Talladega and Alexander City, Alabama. He ultimately settled in McComb, MS where he lived the last 50 years. Mike attended McComb High School before transferring to South Pike High School where he graduated in 1967. He played baseball and excelled as a student during his high school years. His goal was to become a teacher and a coach. He attended Southwest MS Junior College and then followed in his father's footsteps by attending Mississippi College. He was a proud member and president of the Ant Hill Mob, a "fraternity-like" organization he founded at MC with a group of like-minded characters who reflected the spirit of the times, if not the views of college administration. Despite the well-publicized antics of the Ant-Hill Mob, Mike graduated with a degree in English in 1971 and continued with post-graduate work while working on a road striping crew for the Mississippi Highway Department. He obtained his master's degree in English literature in 1973 and embarked on his teaching career.
Mike began teaching at JZ George High School in Carrolton, MS. After one year there, he was offered the opportunity to return to his high school alma mater as an English teacher and baseball coach at South Pike High School, where he remained until starting his own construction company that operated for 10 years. He was highly regarded for his artistic finish carpentry work, which included building the bar at the original Ice House Restaurant in McComb. Mike honed his construction skills while building a log cabin where he lived for 45 years until his death. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and left his mark all over Pike County. Mike returned to his first-love profession and finished his teaching career at Bogue Chitto Attendance Center where he had the treasured opportunity to teach and coach all three of his sons. They were his greatest source of pride until the day he had to leave them and his other loved ones behind.
Mike had a unique ability to get the most out of people, whether it was in the classroom or on the ball field, although some would say by rather unconventional methods. He received multiple Star Teacher Awards at Bogue Chitto and had the honor of coaching the South Mississippi All-Star baseball team. His passion for teaching English and British Literature and coaching baseball has impacted countless lives in Pike and Lincoln Counties. Mike did all of this with his beloved bride of 47 years, Connie Jean McKenzie Hodges, by his side, until her death in March of this year. He loved to fish and was an avid musician throughout his life, collecting, repairing and rebuilding guitars. Lastly, and certainly not least, he was a lifelong Alabama Crimson Tide fan and was rarely seen without wearing at least one piece of Alabama football attire. We are certain he is shouting "Roll Tide" with Bro. Jimmy and Ms. Ethel over across the Golden Shore.
Mike was preceded in death by parents, Bro. Jimmy and Ms. Ethel Hodges, and by wife, Connie Jean Hodges. He is survived by his sons Gabe Hodges (Lauren) of Madison, MS, Ben Hodges of Pensacola FL, and Cole Hodges of Prairieville, LA, and by grandchildren Michael, Emily, Mattie, Walker and Camille Hodges. He is also survived by his brother and only sibling, Mark Hodges (Beth) of Jackson, MS. Mike was truly one of a kind, and he leaves behind memories and life lessons that his family will treasure always. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 21st at 3:00 p.m. at Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, preceded by visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bogue Chitto Baseball Booster Club, c/o Bogue Chitto Attendance Center, 385 Monticello Street SE, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.