Benny F. Hodges, Sr. Memorial Fund

Benny Frank Hodges, Sr. left this world to be with the Lord on February 1, 2023 at the age of 71, surrounded by his family. Benny was born on April 19, 1951 to Benjamin Eugene Hodges and Ruby Elese Grisham Hodges, in Conroe, Montgomery County, Texas. He was a lifelong resident of the area in which he was born.

Drafted during the Vietnam War, Benny trained and served with infantry units stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. While his time in the Army was shortened due to family illness, his dedication to service, concern for his fellow soldiers safe return, and regard for his country was deep. He had the utmost respect for the men and women serving in the military, then and now.

In 1972, Benny married the love of his life, Roberta Holliday Hodges in Conroe, Texas. Benny and Roberta went on to have three children and last October celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The love for his family was fierce and unwavering; you knew he loved you, and had your back, no matter what. For Benny, family was first. He defined family as not only the people you are related to, but, lifelong or otherwise, many of his friends were truly considered his family.

Jack of all trades and a man who mastered anything he attempted, Benny was an expert in all fields of construction and general contracting. Always striving for the highest level of functionality and excellence, Benny was among the first to arrive and last to leave the job site, on many occasions. His stamp is on shopping centers, professional buildings, personal residences, gas stations, pools, fences, pipelines, oil rigs and so many others throughout Texas, Oklahoma and reaching as far north as Michigan.

Throughout his life, Benny enjoyed being outdoors; hunting (both arrowheads or animals), fishing with a

pole or trot line, and exploring the river. Everyone who knew him, could see the gift he had with animals, the domesticated ones as well as the wild ones. It was not uncommon to encounter a pet dog, deer, opossum, raccoon, squirrel or maybe even an old alligator at Benny and Roberta’s house.

His love, laughter and warmth will be missed beyond measure. Benny was predeceased by his father, mother, and sister: Verna Jean Hodges Temple.

He is survived by his Wife: Roberta Holliday Hodges; Children: Rachel Elese Hodges Simons and husband Kenneth, Rebecca Jean Hodges Westhoff and husband David, and Benny Frank Hodges, Jr. and wife Vanessa; Sister: Linda Kay Harvell; Grandchildren: Dustin Clay Simons, Dylan Christopher Simons, Aryia Natalie Riggs, Lilyana Grace Hodges, Leylani Hope Hodges, Alex Scott Westhoff, Nathan James Westhoff, Megan Danielle Westhoff, and Lily Anne Westhoff; and “Brother” Lawrence C. “Corkey” Pittman.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 12th from 5pm-7pm at Conroe Funeral Directors: 1504 N. Thomson Street, Conroe, Texas.

Graveside service will be held on Monday, February 13th at 11am at Mt. Zion Cemetery (off Sawdust Road): 25123 Harper Lane, The Woodlands, Texas.

Reception to follow Graveside service at Chateau Woods Community ClubHouse: 10224 Fairview Drive, Conroe, Texas.

NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER:

I GIVE YOU THIS, ONE THOUGHT TO KEEP.

I AM WITH YOU STILL, I DO NOT SLEEP.

I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW.

I AM THE DIAMOND GLINTS ON SNOW.

I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON THE RIPENED GRAIN.

I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN.

WHEN YOU AWAKEN IN THE MORNING'S HUSH,

I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH

OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLED FLIGHT.

I AM THE SOFT STARS THAT SHINE AT NIGHT

DO NOT THINK OF ME AS GONE -

I AM WITH YOU STILL, IN EACH NEW DAWN.