Hugh Stanley Hines died March 20 and joins the family he loved so dearly. Stanley Hines was a gracious gentleman with a great sense of humor, an adventurous spirit and a fierce determination. He enjoyed a simple faith and a simple life. He had many interests and talents and he leaves behind countless wonderful memories with his family and friends.
Born June 8, 1921 in Boykins, he was the son of the late Hugh Wray Hines and Annie Babb Hines. He was predeceased by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Nora Elizabeth (Betsy Womack) Hines. He was a 1940 graduate of Suffolk High School and the 1944 class of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1947 after serving in the Army in World War II. He participated in the invasion of France in 1945 at Omaha Beach, Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded three times. After being seriously wounded at the Saar River on the French-German Border he received the Purple Heart and was returned to the United States.
Stanley spent his working career managing long distance heavy trucking operations, retiring as Vice President of Norfolk, Baltimore and Carolina Line. Following retirement he developed and managed a communication business, Hines Communications, which he operated for 15 years officially retiring for good in 1998.
He was an active member and past Deacon of the Suffolk Christian Church and formerly a member, deacon and elder of the Suffolk Presbyterian Church. As audio recorder for the Suffolk Christian Church, he faithfully recorded the church services for shut-ins from December 1985 until December 2009. He also recorded the Norfolk Symphony, the Virginia Symphony, the Virginia Coral and various other local productions.
He had an appreciation for big band music and loved celebrating holidays, especially in the summer, spending time with friends and family at the family beach cottage. Helping others brought him great joy. He valued the good times that he had, always sharing and giving through the worst of times and inspiring others with his good heart, strong character, determination and his quiet — but firm — faith.
Stanley Hines leaves behind his daughters, Betsy Len Darden and Anna Pat Hines of Virginia Beach; his grandsons, David Darden and wife, Karen Darden, Michael Darden and wife, Pat Darden of Virginia Beach; his grandchildren, Brittney Darden, Sydney Darden, Jacob Ashby, Marshal Zobel, Colton Zobel, Alex Darden, Bailey Darden and Cari Darden; sister-in-law, Dorthy Womack of Suffolk; cousins, Susan and Lynn Powell of Franklin and David Womack of Raleigh, N.C. and his beloved companion of twelve years, Patricia Branche.
The funeral service will be March 24 at Suffolk Christian Church with burial at Holly Lawn Cemetery. Following the funeral services, the family will have a reception in the Portsmouth Room at Lake Prince Woods Retirement Center, 100 Anna Goode Way. A visitation will be March 23 at RW Baker and Co. Funeral Home from 6:30 – 8 p.m. RW Baker and Co. Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are requested to be made to the Nansemond Suffolk Rescue Squad at 428 Market Street; the Sandbridge Rescue Squad at 305 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456 or the Suffolk Christian Church at 216 North Main Street.
The family wishes to express its gratitude and affection to Patricia Branche for her companionship and undying loyalty to our father and the compassionate care of Homestead Senior Care. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.rwbakerfh.com for all to share.