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“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” II Corinthians 5:8 DONNIE RAY HINES, son of the late Gradis and Catherine Williams Hines, was born in Wilson County on October 28, 1954. He departed this earthly life at his home early on March 6, 2024. Don, as he was affectionately known, grew up in Windsor, North Carolina. He attended Bertie High School class of 1973, receiving a full football scholarship to East Carolina University. He later attended Pitt Community College where he majored in Accounting and met the love of his life Betty Battle. Don was employed at Burroughs Wellcome Company as a Material Handler in the Distribution Department and later transferred to the Chemical Manufacturing Division as a Chemical Processor. Don exemplified phenomenal work ethics. In Don’s early twenties, he committed his life to Jesus Christ. He recently wholeheartedly rededicated his life to Christ and has been attending Wells Chapel Church of God in Christ. His favorite scripture was “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Don enjoyed traveling with his family all over the east coast and continued traveling extensively with his wife after they became empty nesters. Don and Betty have been married for 46 years. His favorite past-time was sitting on the front porch enjoying the neighbors along with his canine, a Golden Labrador Retriever, named Rusty. His greatest love was playing chess with his brother, June. He was an avid chess player. His favorite sports team was the Dallas Cowboys. Don was a man of a few words, he was willing to help anyone he could. He delighted in supporting his mother-in-law during her illness, including taking her to doctors’ appointments, preparing healthy meals, grocery shopping, sitting or riding out with her and anything else needed of him. Don was a great cook and especially loved cooking delicious southern foods. He came from a family of “chefs” where he developed his cooking skills and passed them on to his children. Don was a very loyal man to his word. If he gave you his word, you could count on it. He was trustworthy and straightforward, leaving no gray areas in his relationships with people. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-son, Maurice Battle Hines and his sister, Lavonne Hines. Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Betty Battle Hines; two sons, Eric and Derek Hines; one daughter, Crystal Hines, all of Raleigh, North Carolina; his oldest sibling, Gradis Hines Jr., Pittsboro, North Carolina (who loved him dearly was unable to be present because of his health challenges); two sisters, Janice Hines Craig, and Brenda Hines, Windsor, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Damir, Isaya, Camari, Antrione, Maurice, Jr. Damari and Josiah; five sisters-in-law, Mary Baker, Annie Richardson, Carolyn Parker, Brenda Simms and Ann Battle; four brothers-in-law, Robert Atkinson, William Battle, Austin Parker, George Simms; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Mr. Donnie Hines

October 28, 1954 - March 6, 2024