Devin R. Dinkins passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023. He was born at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland where he became an avid Ravens fan. As a child, Devin never met a stranger, as a matter of fact his favorite greeting was “Hey, Buddy!”. This continued throughout his life. He would bring people home and demand we help them. He had a caring soul and wanted to help people. When he was five years old, he became a military brat who traveled the world. He lived in Germany, Hawaii and Georgia. It was in Georgia that he joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell where he deployed to Iraq. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
While in the service, he met and fell in love with his wife Jessy. Not long after this, Devin became a father to his oldest son Anthony and soon there after his youngest son Zaiah was born, which Devin often boasted were the two biggest accomplishments of his life. Devin and Jessy’s journey took them to Colorado, Nebraska and finally to El Paso where they settled. He was a loyal son and grandson. He called his mother almost daily and talked to his grandmother every Sunday.
Another one of Devin’s biggest babies was his music. His music was his therapy and he constantly displayed his talent through his rap. If you listened to Potbelly Chuck then you had a play by play of his life. He spoke his truth through his music and sometimes shared the stage with his brother. His performances were few but his music continues to inspire. His favorite sign off was the phrase, “I WIN!” And Devin believed when he wasn’t winning, he was learning.
Devin put his time and effort into others. He volunteered at VA and the Elk’s lodge where he became a part of the family. He helped numerous people, giving them a place in his home and in his heart. He had a lifelong dream to become a mentor to teenagers. Little children were his passion. He was Godfather to Ian and Melody and Uncle to DJ. He was proud of these roles and believed he was blessed to have them. Devin had a bright smile with a jovial spirit and should be remembered as a good Husband, Son, Grandson, Father, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, but most importantly Friend.
He was preceded in death by his father, Shawn Hunter. In addition to his wife and sons, Devin is also survived by parents, Cheryl Smith and Lucius Q. Smith, Jr.; brothers, Darrius Gamez, Lucius Q. Smith III, Justin Michael Smith; sister, Chelsea Hunter; grandparents, Gloria Darden and Timothy; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Visitation will be Friday, April 28, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home. Chapel Service will be Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 12400 East Montana Ave., El Paso, TX 79938.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Dinkins family may be shared at www.evergreenfheast.com.
