Dennis Hodges was born December 30, 1948, in Chilton, Texas, the sixth of seven sons of the late L.B. Hodges and Martha Benson Hodges. Raised in a faith-filled home at New Hope Baptist Church, he professed Christ early and lived a life rooted in service. He attended Frederick Douglass Community School, later transferring to Booker T. Washington High School in Marlin before returning to Chilton High School, where he graduated in 1968. Dennis moved to Dallas and worked tirelessly—nights at Roadway Trucking Company and days driving for Tim Hodges and Sons—until he purchased his first dump truck in 1972 and founded Dennis Hodges Trucking. He married his high school sweetheart, Velma Jodi Young, on September 9, 1971, and together they shared 54 years of marriage and raised four children: LaWanna Sneed, Alycia "Lisa," Byron, and Dennis Jermaine. A devoted member of First Christian Church for 36 years, Dennis served as a Trustee, designated bus driver, and Usher, and he played a key role in clearing the land where the church now stands. Known for his generosity and friendly spirit, he was a father figure to many—and a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan who treasured attending games and several Super Bowls.