Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 15, 2025

 CHARLOTTE - Will Hodges, 44, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Charlotte.

A loving husband, devoted father, and cherished friend, Will was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, where he built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.

A proud graduate of Providence Day School in Charlotte, Will continued his education at NC State University. It was July 4, 2000, in Gonzales, Louisiana where Will met the love of his life, Jacqueline “Janie” Howard. Their deep friendship blossomed into a lasting love, though their wedding had to wait while Janie served in the US Navy, including a deployment to Iraq.

Will and Janie were married in 2007 in Charlotte. Will worked alongside his family in the home-building business, while Janie followed her passion for animals, managing a pet supply store.

Their shared love for dogs led to a life-changing decision when their Catahoula Bulldog, Bacchus, needed more space and less rules than their townhouse in Tega Cay could provide. In 2012, they found the perfect spot—six acres with a small farmhouse on Youngblood Road. They lovingly renovated the property and began to dream of opening a dog kennel. In 2016, their dream became a reality with the opening of Laurel Oak Farm Dog Kennel, which quickly flourished and continues to thrive today.

In 2019, Will and Janie were blessed with their son, Benny. Will embraced fatherhood with incredible joy and devotion. He loved sharing his passion for reading, music & learning to play instruments, enjoying Charlotte sporting events as a family, and coaching Benny in golf, T-ball, and soccer. Will cherished every moment of his son’s growth, but few filled him with as much pride as watching five-year-old Benny learn to read—a milestone he believed was shaped, in part, by his own lifelong love of books and thirst for knowledge he had passed down.

Will’s passion for life was evident in everything he did. He had a deep love for music, writing, philosophy and debating politics, a particular fondness for comedies, and a natural talent for sports. He excelled in every sport he tried, with a special place in his heart for board sports. Will was an expert wakeboarder and snowboarder, and recently, he began to enjoy surfing. When he discovered a “Onewheel” board at the beach one summer, he was immediately drawn to it and quickly mastered its operation, enjoying long rides along the beach at Pawleys Island and through his neighborhood.

Will leaves behind his loving wife, Janie; his precious son, Benny; his sister, Julie McKinney; his parents, Linda and Bill Hodges; nieces Mattie and Megann McKinney, Kelsie Colligan, Chloe Hudson, and Autumn Garrison; his aunt Vicki Thaxton, aunt and uncle George & Kay Hodges, cousins George Hodges Jr., his wife Jennifer & their son Sawyer, Nancy & Benjamin Watford, and Kelly Perkins. He was preceded in death by grandparents Elizabeth & Horace Haden Hodges, Jr, Vivian & Benjamin Thaxton; his aunt Gail Perkins, and his nephew Brent Colligan. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A service celebrating Will’s life will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church on Thursday, May 22, at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation at https://foundation.cmlibrary.org/ways-to-give/tribute-giving/.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.