Elder Ernest Hines

Ernest Hines was born on November 25,1932 to the late Charlie and Bunnie Hines in Edgecomb County, North Carolina. He made his transition from earth to glory on Wednesday June 12, 2024 at his home. Ernest was educated in the Edgecomb County school system. After completing high school, he married his childhood sweetheart Rosa Lee Hines. They were married for fifty years until her passing in 2005. He not only taught his children Ephesians 5:25, but he lived it every day. From their union they had eight children. He was preceded in death by his son Ernest Hines, Jr. and grandson Warren Drewery. In September 1954, Ernest and Rosa moved from North Carolina to Portsmouth, VA. In 1974, Ernest was elected to the office of President of Teamster Union Local 822 and he served in that capacity for over two decades. Throughout his tenure as President, Ernest helped to start the Local 822 Sick Fund, Local 822 Scholarship Fund, 822 Retirees Group, and establish a $4000 Death benefit plan for the members. Ernest was a loving, hardworking, and versatile man. He was a natural leader and self taught in many areas. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, cooking his famous "Hines Barbecue", family cookouts, fishing, and bowling weekly on the mixed bowling league. Ernest has given his life service for the cause of helping people. Yet, greater than all his service to others and his many accomplishments, Ernest loved the Lord. Although Romans 12:1 is one of his favorite scriptures; Ecclesiastes 7:1 “A good name is better than precious ointment” always linger in his thoughts. A willingness to learn and serve the community lead Ernest to become a Mason in 1960. In May 1968, Ernest was ordained a Deacon at New Testament Church where he served as a Trustee, President of the Willing Workers, served as a Leader for Young Deacons, and he sang with the Male Chorus. Years later, Ernest joined Bethany Baptist Church under the late Rev. Jake Manley and he served as the head of the Deacon Board. In 2014, Ernest joined Bethel Temple Church under the leadership of Apostle Earl C. Hinton and he was elevated from Deacon to Elder and Ordained Minister. Throughout his life, Ernest taught his kids God first, family, and then work. Ernest leaves to cherish his memories three daughters; Bonita Frazier (d, Darryl), Ernestine Manning (Marshall), Rosa Hinton (Apostle Earl Hinton), four sons; Linwood Hines (Theresa), Melvin Hines (Debbie), Ernest Edwin Hines (Pattie), and Russell Hines (Angie); one sister, Mary Hines; two brothers, Bossie Hines and Alexander Hines; sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Elder Ernest Hines

November 25, 1932 - June 12, 2024