Earl Hines, 92, of Texas City, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 19th, 2018, in Texas City Texas. Earl was born July 13, 1926, in Center Point, LA, to Edom R. and Sattie O. Hines. Earl was raised on a farm in the piney woods of Louisiana, spending time working at area sawmills while in school. He worked with his (5) siblings on the farm, starting at age 5. They worked before school and after school, doing their homework by the light of a lantern or the flames of a burning log in the fireplace at night.
Graduating from Bolton High in Alexandria, Earl was drafted and served in the U.S. Army during WWII, from 1944 to 1946, after which he joined the reserve corps, retiring in 1986 as CW3 Chief Warrant Officer. He worked for Amoco Oil, retiring after 35 years, as pipefitter.
He loved fishing and hunting, a favorite past time from his early childhood. He loved spending time with family. He also loved to just plain work. As he became wheelchair bound, he would say the thing he misses the most is being able to get out and work on things. He was always building things or working on something. Even as his time was near, you would see his hands working on his bedsheet, and when you asked what he was working on, he sometimes would say, ”a gadget”. He also loved the slots.
He was so proud to serve in the US Army. He was always volunteering at his VFW Post 5400 in past years, putting flags on veteran’s grave sites for Memorial Day, and attending the ceremony. When he was not able to help any longer, he always attended the ceremony. He wore his WWII hat proudly, as he, along with so many more, earned that right.
Dad was the kind of man who was always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Even when he had to use a cane to walk, he would come help with anything he could possibly do. He never asked anything in return. To know his was to love him. He was a man who never really met a stranger.
He was a member of VFW Post 5400, DAV, Amoco Seniors, and Elks Lodge, to name a few.
Earl is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Louis and Audrey, brother Elvin and son-in-law, Michael Bright.
He is survived by his wife, Millie, of 67 years, son Chris and his wife Jan, daughter Sherri Bright, brother Omer, sister Nell, grandchildren Rae-Anne Hovanetz, Lacey Blake, Chris O. Hines, Jared and Eryn Bright, Michelle Grawer, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He attended The Fellowship Church in Texas City. He loved life and was a friend to all who met him.
He will remain in our hearts forever, and will be united again in God’s Kingdom. God bless you all.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 24 from 10:00-11:00am in the Chapel of Forest Park East Funeral Home located at 21620 Gulf Freeway Webster, Texas. A Celebration of Earl's Life will begin at 11:00. Immediately following, he will be laid to rest at Forest Park East Cemetery. Guests are invited to a reception from 12:30-2:30 in the Reflections Room at Forest Park East Funeral Home for fellowship.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Wounded Warrior Project or League City Animal Shelter in Earl's memory.
DONATIONS
Wounded Warrior ProjectPO Box 758517 , Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517
League City Animal Shelter821 N. Kansas, League City, Texas 77539
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18