Napoleon Hines

Napoleon “Sonny” Hines of Lynn, MA, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the age of 79. He was the son of the late William E. and Mary E. (Hines) Johnson. He was born in Weldon, NC, grew up in Philadelphia, PA, and relocated to Springfield, MA as a teenager. He ended up making Lynn his home.

Sonny was a loving and devoted father to his only daughter, Salenna Nickerson. He was the loving brother of his three sisters Barbara Johnson, Marilyn (Johnson) Bolden, and the late Renee (Johnson) Brown.

He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he received a Purple Heart. He had a long career working in electronics at BASF and FujiFilm.

Sonny deeply loved his large family and enjoyed spending time with them any chance he could. He enjoyed walking at the beach near his home, trying his luck at gambling (lottery, horse track, and casino), and telling a story to anyone with a listening ear. Sonny loved music, especially gospel music. He started each day listening to gospel. Sonny lived his life led by his faith and belief in in God.

He was predeceased by a number of family members who each had their special influence on his life. He is survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his family and everyone that knew him.

Friends and family are invited to attend Sonny’s graveside service on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001.