George Eugene Hines Jr.

George Eugene Hines, Jr., 85, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2024, with his daughter by his side, at Trinity Oaks Health and Rehab, after three years of declining health and rapidly progressive dementia. A long difficult journey that they began together, was finished, as promised, together. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” George was born December 11, 1938 in Raleigh, North Carolina and was the son of the late George E. Hines, Sr. and Mary Richardson Hines. Additionally, he was predeceased by his sisters, Betty Gene Hines Robertson Suprina and Mary Louise Hines Sledge. He attended Wake County Schools and was a graduate of Needham Broughton High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He attended Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. On May 10, 1958 he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Crump Hines, and together, they built a wonderful life full of love, joy and devotion, with a family they were most proud of with two children, Lauren Williams (Gregg) and Daniel Hines (Rosalind), three grandchildren, Parker, Madison and Noah, several nieces, nephews, and many cherished, lifelong friends. Nancy predeceased him on July 20th, 2011 after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. We are at peace knowing that he is with the love of his life Nancy, once again, for as hard as he tried, his world was just never the same without her. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Salisbury, where he served as Trustee, on the SPRC Committee and as an Usher. After retiring from a career with Martin Marietta Aggregates that spanned over 30 years, he especially loved his trips to the beach with his wife Nancy and spending time with their family and friends. He enjoyed volunteering at Crescent Golf Club, Meals on Wheels, and in later years, he served faithfully in the volunteer office at First Methodist, answering phones and preparing bulletins for Sunday services. He loved speaking to the children of the Pre-K and daycare as they filed through the halls each day and was overjoyed with the many cards and drawings they made for “Mr. George” over the years. His church family was such a joy in his life and serving Our Lord gave his life such a deep, fulfilling purpose and meaning. He was an avid sports fan and he was known at Trinity Oaks for his decked out room of Wolfpack red! During this year’s ACC and NCAA tournaments, and the Wolfpack’s amazing run, Trinity Oaks’ wonderful staff made sure he was decked out in his Wolfpack shirts and comforter for every game! He also used his love of sports to coach many years in football, basketball and baseball, both in Fayetteville, NC and Salisbury. His players were very important to him and he instilled not only lessons of the game, but important life lessons as well. George showed great courage and dignity over the last few years as his dementia quickly robbed him of his memories as well as his abilities to walk, communicate and even swallow. Fond appreciation to all of those that still came to visit him – past co-workers, church staff, especially Rev. Dr. Mark Conforti, whom he admired greatly, and friends - bringing him treats, cards of encouragement, and most of all, treating him with respect, patience, compassion and prayers of support - it meant the world to him, even if he couldn’t express it. Sincerest gratitude and appreciation is expressed to Dr. Myron and Mary Goodman, for your constant care, love, support and treasured friendship, especially through this difficult journey; to the Staff, CNA’s, Therapists and Nurses of Trinity Oaks Health and Rehab, A-B Hall, (especially Donna and Emory), and C Hall, (especially sweet Valerie who made his last hours as peaceful as possible), for your never-ending care and compassion, and for always taking those “extra steps” and making exceptions when needed during the difficult COVID times to comfort him and give peace of mind to those that loved him. His wish was that those he knew and loved, remember him the way he was before this painful journey. Remember his smile, his laugh, his welcoming nature (& always a strong handshake!). This journey is so hard for everyone that goes through it, and it is so important to hold on to their memories for them, and honor the life they lived and lives they touched. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 1, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church Street, Salisbury, NC. Following the Celebration Service, there will be a visitation in the Church Fellowship Hall. To honor George, everyone is invited to wear bright red! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., Salisbury, NC 28144 and Community Care Clinic of Rowan, 315 Mocksville Ave., Suite G, Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Hines family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

George Eugene Hines Jr.

December 11, 1938 - May 2, 2024