Joseph Michael Hodge was born on March 18, 1956, in Loudon, Tennessee, to Herbert Jackson “Jack” Hodge and Doris Hodge. He went home surrounded by his loving family at St. Thomas Hospital West in Nashville, Tennessee. June 06, 2026.
Michael is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Judith Diane Dauphin Hodge; his son, Joshua Michael Hodge, and daughter-in-law, Jessica Apple Hodge; his daughter, Jeanna Anne Hodge Parsons, and son-in-law, Hap Parsons; and his daughter, Jennifer Diane Hodge. He is also survived by his brother, Roy Paul Hodge, and sister-in-law, Jeanine Tuten Hodge; nephews Jeremy Hodge, Jon Hodge and wife Kaylee, and Justin Hodge; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and his beloved cousin, June Goolsby.
Michael earned his Bachelor of Music degree from University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, and later received his Masters of Church Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
Throughout his life, Michael faithfully served the Lord as an ordained minister and Minister of Music at numerous churches, including Dixie Lee Baptist Church, Alpha Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, and Northside Baptist Church. He also proudly served as a County Commissioner for Coffee County Commission.
Michael cherished every moment as pianist for “The Singing Victors,” a local gospel group alongside Ronnie and Carol Gray, Mike Hogan, Roland Heim, and Gary Clower. The friendships formed through this ministry became lifelong bonds that he treasured deeply.
For twenty years, Michael taught Music Appreciation at Motlow State Community College, sharing his passion and knowledge of music with countless students. He also enjoyed repairing automobiles and used every opportunity to share his Christian faith. His love for missions took him to the countries of Slovakia and Tunisia, Africa, where he combined his gifts of music and ministry.
God blessed Michael with a remarkable talent for music from the age of five. As a gifted pianist and composer, he shared his music throughout his life at weddings, funerals, church services, family gatherings, and countless special occasions. His music became a blessing to all who knew him.
Above all else, Michael was a loving Christian husband, father, son, and friend. He treasured his marriage to Judith and found immense joy in being a husband and father. He faithfully loved and supported his parents, Doris and Jack Hodge, as well as his wife’s parents (Jean and Roy Dauphin) and his grandmother, Velma Olivia Hudson, affectionately known as “Nonnie.”
To his daughter Jeanna Anne, he was “Big Ol’ Daddy Gorilla.” To his beloved son-in-law Hap, he was “Daddio.” Michael never met a stranger. He always sought truth, gave unforgettable hugs, greeted everyone with a warm smile, and loved to laugh until tears filled his eyes. If he wasn’t playing music, or listening to music, he was singing. He always enjoyed weekends of online gaming with family and friends, during which , he never passed up the opportunity to enjoy his favorite homemade chocolate shake, affectionately known as a “chocolate med-pack.”
When he wasn’t repairing cars, Michael was usually hard at work on yet another project around the house. But among all of his accomplishments, his greatest desire was for those he loved to know Jesus Christ and to have confidence in their faith. No matter what challenges he faced, Michael was always willing to pause, open his Bible, and speak about his Rock, his Foundation, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Michael had a heart like David’s—a man who loved the Lord with all that he was. He was a provider and protector in every sense of the word, always working, always showing up, and always finding a way to make things work. He loved his family unconditionally, reflecting Christ’s love through his actions and devotion. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, faith, kindness, understanding, and steadfast love.
His family is grateful for the time they shared with him and for the example he set through his life. The wisdom he imparted, the faith he demonstrated, and the love he freely gave will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him.
Though he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the assurance that he is now in the presence of the Lord he faithfully served throughout his life.
Visitation will be held Saturday June 13, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Trinity Baptist Church in Manchester, TN. Service to follow at 12:00pm with processional to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Tullahoma, TN. In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Trinity Baptist Church for the Audio-Visual and Music Ministry.
Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hodge family.
