Dr. Ernest Culloden Hynds Jr.

1930 - 2015

After a long battle with prostate cancer, Dr. Ernest Culloden Hynds Jr. passed away Monday, Aug. 17, 2015. He was surrounded by family at his home at the time of his passing. Dr. Hynds was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Ann.

Dr. Hynds was born Oct. 10, 1930, in Atlanta, Ga., to Ernest Culloden and Ethel Conley Hynds. He attended public schools in Atlanta, graduating from Murphy High in 1948. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University with a major in journalism and a minor in political science. At the University of Georgia, he earned a Master of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in journalism, as well as a Doctorate in history. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa along with several other honor societies. Dr. Hynds also served in the Army from 1952 to 1954.

Dr. Hynds had a fulfilling career in journalism, working for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WSB Radio in Atlanta, before joining the faculty of the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. An emeritus professor, he retired in 1999 after 43 years at the College, which included more than a decade as a department head. He also worked part-time as an editorial writer for the Athens Banner-Herald, earning several awards for the newspaper.

Dr. Hynds has authored several books, including Antebellum Athens and Clarke County, a history of the Athens community prior to the Civil War; American Newspapers in the 1970s, and a sequel, American Newspapers in the 1980s. More recently, he wrote Always Becoming New, a history of the First Baptist Church of Athens, Ga. His latest work was a collection of devotionals entitled Celebrations and Challenges for Christians. It was written after his wife Mary Ann died from Alzheimer's in May of 2012. The two were married in June of 1953.

Dr. Hynds was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Athens, serving in a variety of capacities including deacon, deacon chairman, Sunday School teacher, moderator and historian.

"Ernie," as he was known to family and friends, was a devoted Bulldog, in spite of his upbringing in the shadows of Georgia Tech. He was season ticket holder for nearly six decades for both UGA football and UGA basketball. He was also a diehard Atlanta Braves fan, watching every game that was televised.

Survivors include two sons, Ernest Jefferson Hynds (Jeff) and Mark H. Hynds; daughters-in law, Angela (Jeff) and Cindy (Mark); granddaughter Dovie Ann; and grandsons, Ernest Gentry and Reese Dylan.

Funeral services will be Friday, Aug. 21, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Athens. Dr. Paul Baxley, senior minister, will officiate. He will be assisted by the Rev. Frank Granger, minister of education. The family will receive visitors at 1 p.m. and interment will follow the services in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contribution can be made to First Baptist Church of Athens, or donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service has charge of arrangements. 10/10/1930 - 8/17/2015