For the most part, Don Hodges has lived in Birmingham since we graduated from high school in 1962. However, you will not find a person more devoted to growing up in a small town, especially Scottsboro. He is very proud that he grew up in a house located one block south of the courthouse square, one block north of his elementary school, one block west of his high school, and one block east of a cotton gin! He has remained loyal to our class and continues to come to Scottsboro often to see about his mother. He never misses a reunion or a function where old friends are involved.

Don was a member of the Hodges Drug Store family, as was another of our classmates, Doug Hodges. Don’s father died when he was just a toddler, but Don never considered any other career besides pharmacy. He first entered pre-pharmacy at the University of Alabama, and later transferred to Howard College (now Sanford). Although Don had married at age 21, he had no children and he was drafted into the army. He spent three years in the army and was in Viet Nam during 1969 and part of 1970. He re-entered pharmacy school upon his release from the army in the fall of 1970.

Don had a serious alcohol problem when he returned from Viet Nam, and this continued for a few years thereafter. He conquered his alcoholism with the help of the Lord and Alcoholics Anonymous. He likes to give his testimony when he senses that he is talking to a willing listener.

After a divorce from the first marriage, he met Sandy, his present wife, at University Hospital. He was working in pharmacy and she is a registered nurse. They have now been married 27 years and have two sons. The boys, Walt (24 years old) and Hunter (20 years old) are students at Auburn. Walt will graduate in Wildlife Science/Horticulture and Hunter is majoring in Civil Engineering.

Don now works 20 to 30 hours a week as a Wal-Mart pharmacist. His job is not as much fun as it used to be because of all the insurance collection and record keeping. (Who is surprised since the pharmacy now has to dispense formerly over-the-counter medicine such as Sudafed?)

Don and Sandy are very active in their church, which is the Presbyterian Church of America. Although he grew up Methodist, he feels he truly became a Christian after having bible study with a Presbyterian minister.

Don’s addendum: “It is a great honor to me to be selected for a classmate of the month, and while there are many who have been such a big part of my life to date, I would like to note a “few”. First of all, The LORD, Jesus Christ, and His Unlimited Atonement for me at Calvary; my Mom and Brother, and my Mom’s only sister/sibling, Speck and Jess Dawson. Also, Willis Hinshaw and his entire family, Billie and Gene McCamy, all of our great neighbors around the corner of Market and College streets in the 1940’s and 50’s, all of my school teachers and Sunday school teachers, and, of course, the fantastic class of ‘62, especially those who have already left this world. Finally, to Bob Hope, for his recording of “Thanks for the Memories”!
Sincerely, Don Hodges”