William L. Hines

HinesWilliam

William L. Hines a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, March 22, 2024.

William was born on May 5, 1939, in Columbus, OH to Willie and Millie Hines-Merritt. A veteran of the United States Army, he enlisted right after high school, where he served proudly and was stationed in Germany.

Realizing he was skilled with machinery, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked for Douglas Aircraft before returning to Columbus, Ohio. Upon his arrival, he became a Master Mechanic before accepting a position with the Columbus Board of Education, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Hamler, on August 30, 1969 at Ebenezer Baptist Church by the late L.C. Brown, and they went on to have 3 beautiful children, LeAnn, William, and Jennifer.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Millie Hines-Merritt; grandparents, Tommie and Odessa Hines; sisters, Betty Smith and Rosemary (Steve) Larkins.

William is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Barbara Hines; children, LeAnn Hines-Sullivan, William “BJ” Hines, Jennifer Hines, Victor Hines, and Rhonda Green; seven grandchildren, Dongino Sullivan II, Lamyia Smith, William Earl Hines, Jr, Ilijawuan Stenson, Kevin Smith, Kolvin Smith, and Gionna Bridges; siblings, Ruth Merritt, Rosa Merritt, Virginia Hatcher, and Robert Merritt; over 100 nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

William was a man who lived life on his own terms. He was straightforward, blunt and you always knew where you stood with him. He was a charmer, who was quick-witted with a great sense of humor. He was full of wisdom, loved to watch Jeopardy and could even answer most of the questions correctly. He enjoyed playing chess, and was an avid card player, especially when it came to Poker and Hearts. Being a motorcycle enthusiast, he was a member of The Flames Motorcycle Club for decades. Always being in touch with the latest technology, he was able to build computers in the 90s and still owned one of the latest iPhones. In his spare time, if he wasn’t watching Ohio State football, he could be found on a lake fishing or listening to the ‘oldies but goodies’ such as Sam Cooke.

There was so much more to William than just being a husband, father, and grandfather, though to us those where his greatest roles. He was also a friend, a mentor, a stand-in paternal figure to the fatherless, a handyman, and the list goes on and on.

We encourage you to laugh and smile when you reminisce about William Hines, as we know that’s what he would have wanted.

Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 11:00am Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Rhema Christian Center, 2100 Agler Road.

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Condolence Messages

  1. Antonette Burton

    To my Aunt Barbara and cousins sending my condolences and prayers to y’all. Uncle William would be truly miss.

  2. Barb, I am sorry to hear about the passing of William sending my deepest condolences to you and your entire family may God wrap his arms around each one of you and give you all strength through this difficult time I will keep you all in prayer.

  3. Ruth RUSSEL-MORGAN FAMILY

    You have the prayers of our families
    Mr. Hines will be remembered by all who knew him. Husband and father in his absence of this life, the Holy Spirit of the HIGHEST GOD omfort you in your mourning.

  4. Beverly Chatters

    In loving memory of “William Hines”, a person whose kindness, sense of humor, wisdom and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew him. May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten. May faith, family and friends bring you peace during this difficult time.
    With Prayers, Love and Remembrance.
    Gwen Howard, Kenneth and Beverly Chatters

  5. From: The “Love” N” Unity Cheryl Hughes “president. So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and condolences are always with you at this time of your loss

  6. Love”N ” Unity Christian Women! President Cheryl Hughes!! Our deepest sympathy for you and your family Barbara and may God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding !We love you and are here for you!!

  7. Dorothy Tanner and Family

    To The Hines Family’s,
    My Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to you all! William was my neighbor for fifty plus years! He will surely be missed! May God be with you all during this time of sorrow and much love! Rest In Heaven my buddy!

  8. Aunt Barbara I love you, Uncle William will be missed I’m praying for all of you.
    God bless.

  9. LeAnn Sullivan

    To my Dad aka Yoda,

    I couldn’t ask for a Better Father, Road dog, Fishing buddy or Best friend! I am not going to say that I will miss you because when i look in the mirror i see you everyday. I am going to miss the calls just to see what Sullivan was doing ( what he called me) or our thrift store shopping trips. As my Wise Mom Barbara would say don’t worry LeAnn you will see him again. I Love now, tomorrow and until we meet again.

  10. Veronica hamler

    Willam you will be missed you gave me my first motorcycle ride your laughter but God said come on home take your rest love Veronica

  11. James and Monica Hairston

    To the Hines Family. We always think that love ones will last forever.. But our Hearts hold the Memories, so very sorry for your loss of a true treasure. Take care if each other always.

  12. Dayona Turner

    Condolences and prayers for you all! RIP Unc William.

  13. Christian Humphrey

    Prayers going out to my aunt and cousins uncle William will be missed.

  14. I am already missing my brother, my friend, my advisor. As we talked EVERY day about everything, you always spoke your mind, pulled no punches and talked honestly. Together, we reminisced and listened to music, talked about “the good ole days” growing up. We solved world problems in less than 10 minutes. We laughed together and got downright serious when needed. Bro I will miss you but know you are at peace and in God’s arms. Now in the company of Mom and Dad, our grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends. Rest in Peace dear brother. Love you.

  15. During this time of grief, I want you to know that you are not alone. William’s legacy of laughter and love will always be a part of your lives. May your memories of him comfort you at this time.

  16. William, you and I talk, not everyday you were always there when I need you, you were always honest with me about I talk to about, that I will miss and you calling me juicie Jones, were you got that name for me the lord only knows. I’m going to miss your smile, your laugh, I love you so much and sadly miss you my brother. Fly my brother

  17. Deborah Hunter

    LeAnn, I am praying for you and tour family during this time of your bereavement. You have my sincere condolences. I feel as if I knew your father well just from hearing you speak about him often, your journeys, conversations, the admiration, and abundance love you have for him. He will always be in your heart, soul, body, and spirit. Much love

  18. We extend a heartfelt condolence to the family of William L. Hines from uncle Wise & Aunt Audrey Evans, during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy, but our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with him.
    If you need any support or someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We love you.

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