Robert Papa Ervin Hinson Sr.

His family will receive friends Sunday January 15, 2012 from 4pm to 6pm at McEwen Funeral Service, Derita Chapel. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel with the Reverend Don Newell officiating, assisted by Reverend Lloyd Burris on January 16, 2012 at 11am. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park on Monroe Road in Charlotte. The Patriot Guard will escort him to the grave side service in honor of his service to his country.

Born December 17, 1921 in Union County, NC, Robert was a son of the late William F. Hinson, Sr. and Cora Baker Hinson. He reached the rank of Sergeant in the US Army Air Corps where he was classified as an Engineer/Gunner. During World War II, he received a Good Conduct Medal and the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon. He retired from Soule Steel after 35 years where he specialized as an Ornamental Steel Supervisor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers William Glenn Hinson and William Floyd Hinson, Jr.; a sister, Gladys Hinson; a daughter Rebecca Lea Hinson, and a grandson, Dennis Lee Rice.

Robert was a gifted singer and musician, playing anything that made a sound, but the fiddle and mandolin were what he was best known for. He loved gardening and grew the best vegetables and flowers. He kept family and neighbors supplied with all that they would take. He had an insatiable curiosity about nature and the world around him. His nature walks where he would tell his kids what things were and why things were important were a treat for anyone privileged to come along.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Burris Hinson of the home; a son Robert Ervin Hinson, Jr and his wife Gale of Pendleton, SC; daughter Lisa Hinson Jablonski of Harrisburg, NC,, daughter Frances Daughtery Rice and husband Ben of Charlotte; and grandchildren Kelley Hinson Emeneker and husband Wesley of Atlanta, Andrew Hinson of Pendleton, SC, Justin and Daniel Jablonski of Harrisburg, NC, and Jeremy Rice of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his sisters Bessie Taylor of Charlotte and Betty Jo Dick of Alexis.

Beloved of all who knew him, Robert recently told Betty he would be so glad when they could go home. Now he’s home, Heaven has added the “Leader of the Band”.