Daniel McCleskey Hinton

Our beloved Daniel McCleskey Hinton, 60, passed on from this life on October 19, 2017. He was born in Chattanooga, TN to parents Guy Bell and Mary McCleskey Hinton on April 25, 1957. He grew up in Chattanooga before moving to Johnson City, TN where he attended East Tennessee State University and made lifelong friendships. He and his friends formed the band, Steddy Eddy, and they enjoyed many years playing the Johnson City music scene. It was here he met his wife, Julie, and his son Gabe soon followed. Eventually they moved to Austin where his son Mason was born. He worked for GE as a field service engineer for the next 23 years, where he made many special friends.

He was passionate about Longhorn football, the Cowboys, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mexican food and margaritas, and most of all, running at Lady Bird Lake. He loved all things Texas, but was a Tennessee boy at heart. He also enjoyed the Ancient Aliens tv series and loved to debate the meaning of life with his sons and anybody who would listen. Dan was a family man and loved his boys most of all.

Dan is preceded in death by his loving parents; father-in-law, David Massingill, and beloved pets Pepper and Twigs. He left behind his loving family; wife, Julie; sons, Gabriel and Mason and grandson, Jayden of Austin; sisters, Ginger Hinton of Greensboro, NC, and Cathy Hinton (David Livingston) of Nashville, TN, and a whole host of cousins he loved spending time with at the Thanksgiving family reunions; mother-in-law, Jo Betsy Massingill and sister-in-law, Kimberly Mitchem, both of Georgetown, TX; and niece and nephew Annie and Noah Mitchem of Friendswood, TX. Last but not least, the newest member of his family, his little dog, Harper Lee.

We are grateful for your love and steadfast companionship. We could always count on you no matter what. You set the bar high.

Thank you to the wonderful doctors at Austin Cancer Center, especially Dr. Brian Vaillant, whose devotion and care went above and beyond. Also, special thanks to the Journey of Life Hospice—Reed and his amazing team, who were compassionate beyond measure. Dan, you gave cancer one hell of a fight. You are at peace now, you can go home. See you on the other side?

“We are all just walking each other home.” – Ram Dass

A Celebration of Dan's Life will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Santa.