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Donald “Don” Leroy Hinton, 81, of Fayetteville peacefully went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, May 18, 2022, surrounded by family after complications with pneumonia. He “fought the good fight. He has finished the race, He has kept the faith. Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Don was born on March 16, 1941 in Johnston County to the late Bonnie Coy Hinton and Lola Temple Hinton.
Everyone who met Don was automatically drawn to his kind demeanor. His easy going ways and intelligence for recalling numbers and names made him the perfect manager and leader throughout life. He retired after 30 years of service as the parts manager with International Trucks. After his retirement, he worked as a successful real estate broker as a second career.
Don loved His Savior and was a faithful member of Village Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon, was President of the senior group, The Villagers, and was Softball Coach for the men’s team and Assistant Coach for the women’s team for many years. He took great pleasure in serving in these areas and making a difference in the lives of so many people.
It was easy to see how much he adored his wife, Marie, and they were often caught on the Kiss Cam at the Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball games. Don was an avid sports fan. A simple drive by his home and one could see “Wolfpack Lane” by his driveway. If there was a basketball or baseball game, Don and Marie were there. And let’s not forget his weekly golf game with his favorite golf buddies. Those guys and their texting banter added tremendous joy to his life.
Years ago he was given a sign that read, “Ask Dad, He Knows Everything.” The fact is true. His daughters will tell you that he knew everything from cars to plumbing to when to call a service man or when he could just fix it himself. Don was especially known for his green thumb and could turn any pitiful plant into a thriving living beauty. His yard is a reflection of his eagle eye of design and care with flowers and plants which he spent hours crafting into a beautiful paradise.
In everything Don touched…. The lives of co-workers, ballplayers, seniors, grandchildren, daughters, wife, or as simple as flowers… he brought life and joy through his sweet demeanor and easy going style. But the greatest thing was to see him tickled so much that his head would lean way back, his eyes squint tightly, and his mouth draw a great big smile as laugh would undoubtedly break forth. If he could laugh like that here on earth, we know He is laughing all the more right now with Jesus and enjoying a healthy new body in perfect Heaven!
The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:30am Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Village Baptist Church. The service will be held at 11:30am with burial following in Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Keven, Bobby, and Harold Hinton; sister, Maloye Williams and his son-in-law, Doug Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol Marie Hinton; daughters, Pamela A. Ainsworth (Wally), Deborah H. Pierson, and Sharon H. Smith; sister, JoAnne Lewis (Alvin); brother, Richard B. Hinton (Lois); sister-in-law, Hazel Hinton; grandchildren, Jeff Ainsworth (Maggie), Mary Beth Moore, Sammy Pierson, Corey Pierson; great-grandchildren, Logan, Reid, and Easton Ainsworth; Lorelai, Gavin, Piper, and Mackenzie Moore and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the senior group, “The Villagers,” of Village Baptist Church, in his honor.
Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301
Online condolences may be made at http://www.jerniganwarren.com
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