Kristopher Cory Hodge

Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven

Kristopher Cory Hodge, 33, beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, passed away January 3, 2026 in Nesbit, MS. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven (626 Star Landing Road East, Southaven, MS 38672). Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven is in charge of arrangements.

Cory Hodge was truly full of life-positive, resilient, stubborn in the best way, and always armed with a quick sense of humor. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and never let anything define him except his passion for life.

From the time he was diagnosed with NF2 at just 16 years old, Cory fought every single day with determination and grit. His battle was long, but his spirit never wavered. He never gave up, never stopped making plans for the future, and never allowed his diagnosis to keep him from living life to the fullest. Even up until two weeks before his passing, Cory was planning his next BBQ competition-because dreaming, planning, and moving forward were simply who he was.

BBQ was not just a hobby for Cory; it was his whole world. Competitions, travel, preparation, and the joy of sharing great food with others brought him endless happiness. By his side for much of that journey was his best friend since third grade, Michael Foshee. Together they BBQ'd, competed, laughed, and built a lifelong bond rooted in friendship, loyalty, and shared passion.

Cory was a die-hard Ole Miss Rebels fan, proudly showing his loyalty with his very first tattoo-Colonel Reb. Game days, Rebel pride, and cheering on Ole Miss were close to his heart, right alongside his love for the Atlanta Braves.

The beach was Cory's happy place. He loved the sound of the waves, the feeling of the sand, and the peace it brought him. Traveling, exploring new places, and soaking up every experience life had to offer filled his soul.

He also had a deep love for music, especially 90s country. Listening to his favorite songs brought him comfort and joy, and losing that ability due to his illness was one of the hardest losses he endured. Still, even then, he kept pushing forward with strength and grace.

Cory had a special place in his heart for dogs and children, finding pure joy simply being around them. His greatest companion was his beloved dog, Hank, who preceded him in death. Hank had been by Cory's side for 15 years, faithfully walking with him through his health journey and life's ups and downs. Hank was his absolute best friend-loved almost more than life itself-and their bond was unbreakable. Cory loved dogs so much he adopted into his heart a second dog, Clyde. Clyde was by Cory's side for the last five years.

If you knew Cory, you knew his laugh, his stubborn determination, his humor, and his unwavering love for the things and people that mattered most. He showed everyone around him what it meant to fight, to hope, and to live fully-no matter the circumstances.

Cory Hodge leaves behind a legacy of resilience, passion, friendship, and love. His life was not defined by his illness, but by the way he lived-fearlessly, joyfully, and with his eyes always set on what was next. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Cory is survived by his mother, Leslie (Glenn) Wells of Nesbit, MS; his father, Robert "Bobby" (Sarah) Hodge of Lake Cormorant, MS; his brother, Brandon (Bree) Hodge and son, Baylor Hodge, of Olive Branch, MS; his step-brothers, Ryan Wells and Trace Wells, both of Nesbit; his paternal grandmother, Shirley (Doyle) Funderbunk of Hernando, MS; his maternal grandparents, Larry Wayne (Patricia) Borland of Horn Lake, MS; his step-grandparents, David (Sherry) Hensley of Marmaduke, AR; his two special uncles, Kenneth Borland and son, Kingston Borland of Hernando and Brad (Mitzi) Hodge of Southaven; and many beloved friends and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Marlin Hodge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Mr. Kristopher Cory Hodge can be made to Children's Tumor Foundation (https://join.ctf.org/campaign/754015/donate).

Expressions of condolences may be shared on Mr. Kristopher Cory Hodge's Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomesh.com.