Billy Hill

Billy Gene Hill passed away on July 22, 2009 at Roswell Regional Hospital with his family by his side. God sent a much needed rain for this long-time rancher to welcome Billy home. Services will be held Saturday, July 25, 10:00 am, at the First Presbyterian Church in Dexter. Interment to follow at the Hagerman Cemetery. Pall bearers are Bill Stovell, David Mogford, Justin Mogford, Michael Lackey, Carl Bob Hellums, Juan Ramos, and Steve Lewis. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Titsworth, Clay Hunt and classmates from the Texas AM Class of 53.

Billy was born September 26, 1930 on the Monroe-Baggett Ranch near Ozona, Texas to Claude Leroy and Eva Lena Terry Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Tooter Hill, a daughter, Cynthia Ann Hill and a granddaughter, Megan Louise Mogford. He is survived by his loving wife, JoNette Rogers Hill, two daughters, Leisha Hill Mogford and husband David, Terry Lee Hill Lackey and husband Michael, two sons, Billy Gene Hill, Jr. and Carl Bob Hellums as well as a brother, Thomas Hill and wife Johnnye Ruth Hill, and several nieces and a nephew. Billys pride and joy were his grandchildren, Justin David Mogford, Tyler Joseph Mogford, Michael Carper Lackey, Otsie Gene Lackey, Kaytlyn Naydeen Lackey, Emily Alane Hellums, and Carl Allen Hellums.

Rabbit, as he was known to his friends, was involved in ranching his entire life. His favorite saying was Ill take a rain and a calf any day A true steward of the land, he always said we have to take care of Gods wonders that he has given us.

Billy was raised on a ranch at Longfellow, Texas and graduated from Sanderson High School in 1949. He attended Texas AM University and was a proud member of the Class of 53. His career as a 4-H County Agent produced many of the leaders of today, especially his adopted son, Bill Stovell, whom he loved as his own. Billy loved people and made lifelong friends that he met during his cattle trading day. Ultimately, Billy and Jo settled in at the Dexter Ranch, handling the day to day operations, and slowed down to enjoy watching his grandchildren as they grew.

A special thanks to the staff at Roswell Regional Hospital for the compassionate care received by Billy, in particular, Dr. Chechani, Dr. Wenner, Stephanie, Pam, Lupe, Kemischa, and Marie. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Youth Group or the American Lung Association.

Immediately following the service at the Hagerman Cemetery, the family will receive friends at the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Dexter.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home. Friends can post comments to the family at ballardfuneralhome.com. Visitation at the funeral home will begin on Thursday afternoon.
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Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, July 23, 2009

Service

Funeral

1st Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 367
Dexter, NM  88230
Saturday, July 25, 2009
10:00 a.m

Cemetery

Hagerman
P.O. Box 266
Roswell, NM  88232