Roderick Hope, 48, of Columbus, GA passed on Friday, August 7, 2026 in Columbus, GA.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, August 29, 2026 in the C.T. Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Harrison Ford, officiating. Public viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. EST on the day of service.
Roderick J. Hope was born on October 1, 1977, at 12:09 p.m. He was a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend whose life touched many people. At the age of four, Roderick began attending Ridgecrest. At thirteen, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior under the leadership of Reverend Raymond Cochran at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church. His faith remained an important part of his life.
Roderick was a dedicated and accomplished student. He graduated from Central High School on May 26, 1995, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). He maintained a special connection with his Central High School Class of 1995 throughout the years. Roderick was a member of the Investigate N Advocate and 4 TC Family. He continued his education at Chattahoochee Valley Community College, graduating on June 8, 1998, with an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration. He later graduated from Troy University on December 18, 2000, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Roderick's pursuit of knowledge never ended. At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a second Bachelor's degree in Accounting, with a concentration in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination. His commitment to education reflected his intelligence, determination, and desire for personal growth. Professionally, Roderick was a respected leader. He served in various leadership capacities with Elevance Health for nine years, from 1996 to 2005. Since May 2020, he had served as a Client Services Supervisor with Direct Interactions. Throughout his career, he demonstrated professionalism, leadership, dedication, and a strong work ethic.
One of Roderick's greatest joys was being a father to Chandler Jaylen Lockett. Chandler was born on September 3, 2007, at Homestead Hospital in Homestead, FL and was brought home to Columbus, GA on September 8, 2007. Roderick embraced the love and responsibility of fatherhood and cherished his son deeply. Roderick also had a special love for his miniature Schnauzer, Ayden, born March 15, 2022. Ayden was a cherished companion and an important part of his life.
Roderick leaves to cherish his memory his beloved mother, Elnora Hope of Phenix City, Alabama; his son, Chandler Lockett of Columbus, GA; his brothers, Eddie (Emma) Hope of Columbus, GA and Dale (Felicia) Hope of Columbus, GA; his sisters, Doreen (Gregory) Ford of Phenix City, AL and Debbie Williams; along with his nieces, nephews, and extended family. He also leaves his dearest and devoted friends of nearly 40 years, Laketta Minger of Smith Station, AL, and Latesha Sanks Kenan (Mick) of Blythewood, SC. Their friendship was a treasured part of his life, filled with decades of love, loyalty, laughter and memories. Roderick will also be lovingly remembered by his godchildren, Miketta Robinson and Miran Minger, his cherished Central High School Class of 1995 classmates, and a host of lifelong friends who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Williams, and his brother, David A. Hope.
Roderick's life was defined by faith, education, determination, leadership, family, friendship, laughing, dancing, praising God, and making sure CJ was well taken care of. He also made sure that he kept everyone afloat with all the latest news. The relationships he built with his sister Doreen was the most precious thing ever. They were closer than most and he knew she had his back. The lives he touched will remain a lasting part of his story and Roderick will be greatly missed. Though his earthly journey ended on August 7, 2026, the love shared with Roderick and the memories created with him will continue in the hearts of all who knew him.
Send flowers to the service of Roderick Hope
Doreen Hope- Ford In Loving Memory of Your Brother To Doren and the Hope-Ford Family. Holding you close in this time of loss. Your brother was the life of the party, a bringer of joy to everyone he met May God wrap you in His peace, comfort your hearts, and lift your spirits. Though he may be gone from our sight, his light and laughter will live on in every cherished memory. With love and heartfelt prayers, Cathy Echols - Porter
Presents In Loving Memory of Your Brother. To Doreen and the Hope-Ford Family. Holding you close in this time of loss. Your brother was the life of the party, a bringer of joy to everyone he met May God wrap you in His peace, comfort your hearts, and lift your spirits. Though he may be gone from our sight, his light and laughter will live on in every cherished memory. With love and heartfelt prayers, Cathy Echols-Porter
Bucket, a nickname I affectionately gave you so many years ago when we were kids that simply became a part of who you were to a lot of us. Nearly 40 years of friendship gave us a lifetime of memories that I will always cherish. From childhood into adulthood, I am grateful that God allowed our paths to remain connected through so many seasons of life. Although your earthly journey has ended, I find comfort in knowing you are finally at peace and resting in the presence of God. Until we meet again, my dear friend and brother, rest well. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you ❤️🙏🏾
Sending my deepest condolences to Rj's son Cj and loved ones.
Rj was apart of our 4TheCulture Organization. Many of us formed a personal bond with RJ and we are shattered. RJ helped me in many aspects of my life that were needed and he was effective! I'm forever thankful but to hear of this has broke my heart. We can all agree that RJ was the life of the chat when he came in lol We will miss him beyond measures and for me, it doesn't feel like there will be any relief. Thank you brother from another mother. Thanks for being YOU! I love you forvever, so long.
Terri Dean
To my uncle Rod word cannot express the sadness I feel at this moment. You were like my brother . We grew up together as brother and sister . Living in Macon ga . You would come during the summertime . We had a ball dancing singing . We did everything together. When we moved back to PC going to central you had my back and I had yours . Trips family reunions. We did it all . I truly had we missed 15 years due to family feud. But during those times I would think about you . I was so happy we reconnected in 2024 and I was able to get my best friend back . I will cherish every moment . I and so glad my girls got a chance to get to know you as well . I wil miss the laugh jokes being there for you . Love you much . Rock on in heaven . I know you clowning and having a ball . Love Sharonica Williams
In Loving Memory of My Uncle
Losing you is a pain that words can't truly explain. You were more than just my uncle—you were a special part of my life, and the memories we shared will always have a place in my heart.
I will always remember your smile, your laughter, your personality, and the memories we shared as a family, and the way you loved Brookie Pooh (my daughter) I appreciate you for everything you did for me and being there for me at my lowest.
I wish I could have one more conversation, one more hug, and one more chance to tell you how much you meant to me. I know that you will always be watching over the family and living on through everyone who loved you.
Rest peacefully, Uncle. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, I'll carry your memory in my heart forever. 🕊️❤️
A Tribute to My Baby Brother, Roderick
My brother Roderick was always down for anything when it came to me. No matter what life brought our way, he had my back, and I had his. We stood beside each other through the good times, the difficult times, the laughter, and the tears. Losing him has changed our lives in a way that is difficult to put into words.
What I will miss most are our long talks, our laughter, and those moments when we would dance together like we didn't have a care in the world. Those are the memories I will hold close to my heart forever.
Roderick loved his family deeply, and I made sure every holiday was special for him and his son, CJ. They were always a part of our family Christmas photos. That was our tradition, our joy, and our special way of staying connected as a family. Looking back now, those pictures mean more to me than ever because they captured moments we thought we would have forever.
Roderick, my heart is shattered knowing you are no longer here. But I am also thankful and blessed that God allowed me to have you as my baby brother. I will cherish every conversation, every laugh, every dance, every holiday, and every memory we made together.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
Roderick, rest on and take your seat. Your job here is done. Job well done, my baby brother.
You are loved. You are deeply missed. And you will forever be a part of me.
Love always, Doreen Ford
Sending our condolences and deepest sympathies and prayers to the entire family from all of our family in Pensacola and Tampa Florida. Rod will be missed I liked him from day one and grew to love him just like family. He was so funny it was never a dull moment in his presence.
Sending love and prayers all the way from Murrieta, California. I never had the opportunity to meet Roderick, but through his niece, my best friend Shalisa, I heard so many beautiful things about him. And sometimes, you don't have to personally know someone to understand just how much their life meant to the people who loved them. My heart breaks knowing that a family is now learning how to live in a world where someone they love is no longer physically here. There are no words that can make that kind of loss easier. You simply wish you could turn back time, hear their voice one more time, share one more laugh, or have just one more ordinary day that you didn't know would someday mean everything. To Roderick's son, I am praying especially for you. There are some losses that change you forever, and losing a father is one of them. I pray that on the days when you miss him more than words can explain, God reminds you that the love between a father and his child does not disappear because a heartbeat stops. And to Shalisa, my best friend, I know you wish you had been given more time with your uncle. Hold tightly to the time you did have; the laughter, the conversations, the moments that seemed small then but feel priceless now. Those memories are yours forever.
"Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?" — Psalm 56:8 (KJV).------May every tear shed for Roderick be a reminder that our sorrow does not go unnoticed by God. He sees every broken heart, knows every silent ache, and remembers every tear. (Tia)
Roderick was a wonderful person to work with here at DI. He was always extremely helpful and a team player. I will miss working beside him.
We had the pleasure of working with Rod for over 6 years, and he was always such a joy. His happiness, positivity, and genuine love for DI came through in every conversation, every chat. We will miss his infectious laugh! We are better because of him. We will miss you greatly Rod. Our thoughts and prayers are with his son CJ, family and everyone who loved him.
Condolences to the family. May God continue to comfort you through these difficult times. I met Roderick through work at Direct Interactions. Although we never formally met in person we communicated through chat. He was a very knowledgeable and kind person. So sorry to hear this news. His presence will definitely be missed.
Worked with Rod at BCBS such a great spirit every time we were together. Praying for the family during this difficult time.
Cathy Battle
I am sending my deepest condolences to The Hope Family, cousin Roderick Rip🙏
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.