William L. Hines

William L. Hines a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, March 22, 2024.

William was born on May 5, 1939, in Columbus, OH to Willie and Millie Hines-Merritt. A veteran of the United States Army, he enlisted right after high school, where he served proudly and was stationed in Germany.

Realizing he was skilled with machinery, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked for Douglas Aircraft before returning to Columbus, Ohio. Upon his arrival, he became a Master Mechanic before accepting a position with the Columbus Board of Education, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Hamler, on August 30, 1969 at Ebenezer Baptist Church by the late L.C. Brown, and they went on to have 3 beautiful children, LeAnn, William, and Jennifer.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Millie Hines-Merritt; grandparents, Tommie and Odessa Hines; sisters, Betty Smith and Rosemary (Steve) Larkins.

William is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Barbara Hines; children, LeAnn Hines-Sullivan, William “BJ” Hines, Jennifer Hines, Victor Hines, and Rhonda Green; seven grandchildren, Dongino Sullivan II, Lamyia Smith, William Earl Hines, Jr, Ilijawuan Stenson, Kevin Smith, Kolvin Smith, and Gionna Bridges; siblings, Ruth Merritt, Rosa Merritt, Virginia Hatcher, and Robert Merritt; over 100 nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

William was a man who lived life on his own terms. He was straightforward, blunt and you always knew where you stood with him. He was a charmer, who was quick-witted with a great sense of humor. He was full of wisdom, loved to watch Jeopardy and could even answer most of the questions correctly. He enjoyed playing chess, and was an avid card player, especially when it came to Poker and Hearts. Being a motorcycle enthusiast, he was a member of The Flames Motorcycle Club for decades. Always being in touch with the latest technology, he was able to build computers in the 90s and still owned one of the latest iPhones. In his spare time, if he wasn’t watching Ohio State football, he could be found on a lake fishing or listening to the ‘oldies but goodies’ such as Sam Cooke.

There was so much more to William than just being a husband, father, and grandfather, though to us those where his greatest roles. He was also a friend, a mentor, a stand-in paternal figure to the fatherless, a handyman, and the list goes on and on.

We encourage you to laugh and smile when you reminisce about William Hines, as we know that’s what he would have wanted.

Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 11:00am Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Rhema Christian Center, 2100 Agler Road.