Hunter Wayne Hodge

On September 20th, 2022, Hunter Wayne Hodge, unexpectedly passed away at age 26. He was born in Plano, Texas to James and Anne Hodge on February 5, 1996. As he grew up in Houston, he thrived and enjoyed new adventures. He participated in wrestling, baseball, soccer, football, paintball, scouting and loved learning how to play the piano and trumpet. Hunter worshiped at Tallowood with his family and at age 13 accepted Jesus as his Savior. At Tallowood, Hunter sang in the Children's choir, and enjoyed Camp Tallowood. In High School, Hunter played trumpet in the Westside Marching Band and continued his love for music, but his real passion was found in food in 9th grade in the culinary program.

By his junior year, Hunter knew he wanted to be a chef. He participated in a ‘Journey for Juniors’ program and came back excited to work at a local French restaurant, LeMistral. He was a member of a winning Westside culinary team in the regional Prostart competition his senior year. After graduation, Hunter was accepted into the prestigious culinary program at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he quickly earned his Associate’s degree in 2016.

His passion took him on journeys to Cape Cod, Colorado, Michigan, Alaska, Napa, Naples, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Hunter was honored to work alongside some of the best chefs in the country. He worked at places like Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Colorado, Hyannisport Club in Cape Cod, Commander’s Palace in Louisiana, Waterfall Resort in Alaska, The Hambone in Louisiana, Royal Poinciana in Naples, Florida, Gran Electrica in Napa, California, The Hess Collection in Napa, California, and Blackberry Farms in Tennessee.

While we have many fond memories of Hunter, one of our favorites was watching him cook in our family kitchen. He would light up in a way that only can be described as pure joy. He was known as being a light and positive force not only in our family kitchen but every kitchen he served in. Many peers fondly remember their time with Hunter admiring his passion and commitment to his craft.

Hunter also had a love for the outdoors and fishing. Spending his off time on a hike, or with his fishing pole in hand he found great joy in nature. Hunter also enjoyed music and was a gifted piano and trumpet player. Hunter was known for his quick-witted humor, fierce determination, and genuine spirit. He loved people and was always interested in knowing more about their culture and the environment he lived in.

Hunter grappled with injustice in the world. He longed to see all people be able to afford a fine dining experience at a reasonable cost. This was his vision and one we looked forward to seeing him fulfill.

He will be remembered as a great friend, a lover of music, a wonderful son, cousin, nephew, and grandson, a great brother and being thrifty. Hunter loved driving his Subaru, trying to get to his current car to reach 200,000. He refused to get a new car even after two no-fault accidents.

He is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Anne Hodge, his sisters Hannah and Hope Hodge, his grandmother Judith Philbrook, his grandfather Wayne Hodge, his uncle and aunt John and Gretchen Hodge, John and Janet Scali, Bob Todd and Michelle Sewell Sharpe, and his many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Hunter Wayne Hodge and his lasting legacy with a special gift in support of the Hunter Wayne Hodge Legacy Scholarship. You can give online by clicking http://www.ciaalumninetwork.com/HunterHodgeLegacyScholarship