Lee Hines' Obituary
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of the eldest son, Lee Hines Jr., born to United States Veteran Lee Hines Sr. of Idabel, Oklahoma & Louella Hines (COWANS) of Fayette, Missouri.
Lee Hines Jr. was born on May 25, 1949 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, IL and passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at his residence in Decatur, IL at the age of 70.
He was regarded as the lead sibling in the family of eight:
Surviving Sisters: Gloria Jameson (HINES), of Kenosha, Wisconsin / Audrey Marie Bond (HINES) of Decatur, IL / and Half Sister Sandra Hines of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Surviving Brothers: Charles Michael Hines, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wayne Gregory Hines (Willie Dora), of Decatur, IL, Richard Allen Hines, of Decatur, IL and half-brother Terrence Leflore, of Milwaukee Wisconsin
He is survived by daughter Tonya Hines, 45 of Decatur, IL, Step daughter, Rochelle Allen (WHITE), 50 of whom he had the privilege of raising since age 4 and alleged son Shalako G. Hines, 50.
Lee attended Stephen Decatur High School. As a man of many trades & entrepreneur, Lee was blessed to marry his only wife, Ezette Banks (WHITE) July 14, 1973, who has continued to support him as a friend through his journey in sickness until his passing.
Lee was known to have an entrepreneurial drive, but also worked for many companies: Wagner Casting Company, Schrock’s Furniture, Kelly’s Potato Chips, and well known Semi Truck Driver for over 40 years, North American Van Lines & many more.
As an entrepreneur, he started his own Amway business and owned an industrial hose company. He had a love for cars & trucks, known mechanic and a love for turning trash into treasure as a junk hauler & dealer. Many in his neighborhood regarded him as “Dr. Lee” because he had a solution in mind to assist and serve everyone who sought him out. Friends knew him as a mentoring figure.
He was loved by many grandchildren and his one and only granddaughter Simone White. He was also cherished by many nieces and nephews in the Decatur, Missouri, & Wisconsin areas.
Lee’s wishes were to retire in Arizona under the sun.
He is preceded in death by both parents and one grandson Jeffrey Mabry, 28 of Decatur, IL
Services celebrating his life will be conducted on Friday, December 13, 2019 at his home church: First Church of God In Christ, 217 E Decatur St; Decatur, Illinois 62521; visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur.
Cards and condolences may be sent to: Tonya Hines, 1184 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522.
Arrangements by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL 62526. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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