Hodges, Billy Max and Leona Smith

Lea Count Families and History, Then and Now, Vol II, 1984

By: Leona Smith Hodges Sevier

            In 1948 and 1949 Billy Max Hodges was a cowboy working for Tom and Evelyn Lineberry on the Speed ranch about 11 miles southeast of Eunice. I was working at Moore’s Bakery in Kermit, Texas. We met at Kermit High School in 1944 and were married November 25, 1950 in Lovington. As we passed through Eunice I asked if I’d have to live there. He replied, “Probably so”.

            After Bill’s two years in Korea we settled in Odessa, Texas with Shell Oil Company. Our first child, Billy Max Jr., was born 13 September 1954 in Kermit. Our daughter, Lea Ann, was born 7 October 1956 in Odessa.

            In 1958 came the word that we were to be transferred. I asked, “Where to, Eunice?” The answer was, “Not this time-to Midland.” One year in Midland and came the word we were to be transferred. I asked, “Where to, Eunice?” “You’re right,” Bill said. That was nearly twenty three years ago.

            We added one more son to the family. Sammy Ralph born 21 July 1961 is the only real New Mexican. All three children started first grade in Eunice and all three graduated here. All attended New Mexico Junior College.

            My parents were George Smith (born 7/6/1903) and Irene Tice (born 1/30/1911). Both were born in Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio. The second of five children, I was born in New Matamoras August 11, 1939 and named Leona Georgia. My parents were married in Beaver, Pennsylvania 17 December 1927.

            My father was a farmer until WWII; then he went into defense work in the steel mill.

            My uncle Henry had comes west years earlier and drilled wells in southeast New Mexico and west Texas.  He bugged my dad to come west and to help out as there was a manpower shortage here during the oil years and oil was so vital.

            We moved from Beaver Falls to Kermit in 1944.

            My grandparents Owen Tice and Clara Shockey and George Smith and Rebecca Little were all born in the country around Washington County, Ohio.

            Billy Max was the first son of Alfred Hodges, born September 27, 1901 and Amanda Harper born November 26, 1905. Bill’s grandparents were Hi L.Harper and Mary Eply of Mertzon, Texas and Mathew Hodges and Dora Woodward of Rankin, Texas.

            My grandson Michael Wesley Lord, born 18 June 1981, is the son of Lea Ann and Michael Lord of Seminole.

            After being employed as a nurse for several years, I am now employed as the manager of the Eunice Chamber of Commerce.

            Clubs and churches that I have belonged to are the First Baptist Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, V.F.W. Auxiliary, and American Legion Auxiliary.

            I became a widow in 1977.

            On April 30, 1983, I married Lloyd Dowell Sevier, born May 18, 1924 in Plainview, Texas