Johnny Hines

Mr. Johnny Ruzzell “Jack” Hines was born November 22, 1926, in Greenville, Texas, to Ruzzell Hines and Moree Skates. His father died unexpectedly six months before his birth. He was raised by his mother, who preceded him in death.

Johnny attended Frederick Douglas Elementary School in Greenville, Texas, and Booker T. Washington High School. He graduated from High School in 1942 at the young age of 15. He attended Texas College as a pre-med student in Tyler, Texas from 1942 to 1946.

Johnny returned to Greenville, Texas, and worked several jobs. He accepted Christ into his life at an early age and attended church regularly at Carter Temple CME. He served on the Steward Board and also became the youngest Sunday School Superintendent.

He worked as a Cotton Sampler at Farmers Merchant. This job gave him the opportunity to travel to south Texas where he met the love of his life, Marcella Henderson, of Harlingen, Texas. They fell in love and after a short courtship, married in 1950. To this union two beautiful children were born, Howard and Deborah Hines.

Johnny was always a dedicated hard worker and a great provider for his family. He began working for Austin Road Construction in Dallas, Texas. He quickly sought out a better opportunity at Temco Aircraft Corporation. He began working as a Grinder in the propeller shop. While working for Temco, he demonstrated outstanding technical abilities and was promoted to Propeller Technician.

Johnny moved his family to Dallas, Texas, in the Hamilton Park area in 1958. At that time Hamilton Park was the first and new sub-division homes built for African Americans. Being a natural leader, he became involved with a number of social and civic organizations in the community; Cub Scout Master, Sunday School Superintendent for Hamilton Park ME, the Dad’s Club, and the Hamiltonians Social Club just to name a few.

Later in his career, 1965 to 1967, Johnny traveled back and forth from Dallas, Texas to LTV Electrosytems, Inc. (formerly Temco) located in Greenville, SC. In 1967, he was promoted to Foreman and relocated his family to Greenville, S.C.. After several years Johnny was offered another promotion which required him to move back to Dallas. Johnny did not want to relocate his family again so he declined the promotion and decided to stay in Greenville, SC. Johnny began working for Michelin as a supervisor from 1981 until his retirement in 1991.

Johnny lived a wonderful life with his loving wife, Marcella Hines. They often traveled around the country spending time with their children and grandchildren. They were married for 61 years until her death in 2011. Johnny passed away suddenly the morning of January 20, 2018, while working out at the gym with his son. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria Walker and brother, Billy Howard Hollingsworth. Left to cherish precious memories are his loving children: Howard and Deborah Hines; his beloved daughter-in-law, Gail Hines; his five grandchildren; Howard Jr., Marlon, Nichelle, Keisa and Aaron; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Johnny was an amazing man who was loved and cherished by his friends and family. He will be sorely missed by all those who have come in contact with him. He leaves a legacy of love, wisdom, friendship, and dedication to all who knew him. Johnny never met a stranger because he was welcoming to all. Simply said, this amazing man was truly one of a kind.

We are asking that donations be made in his honor to the American Heart Association.