07/30/2026
On behalf of the Hobbs Juneteenth Committee we extend our condolences to the family of Wills Lee Evans. One of the last living members of the BTW class of 1954.
WILLIS LEE EVANS 92 of Hobbs, New Mexico passed peacefully in his home on July 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on May 9th, 1934, in Lexington, Texas to Willis Lee Washington Sr. and Alene Rusher.
He went on to obtain a full academic career graduating from Booker T. Washington in Hobbs, NM with honors as Summa Cum Laude class of 54. He also received letters in basketball, football, and track and field. Mr. Evans ran so fast that he earned the nickname “Blue Streak”. Mr. Evans furthered academic studies at an HBCU-Paul Quinn.
Mr. Evans, was well known throughout the Hobbs community as a leader among Black pastors. He devoted his life to christ and serving the members of Roxanne Street Church of Christ where he would preach and ministered for the past 60 years.
https://www.griffinfuneralhomehobbs.com/obituaries/willis-evans
