Jesse Hines

OBITUARY The Honorable Jesse Edison Hines, Sr. answered the divine call from God , on Sunday, September 1, 2013. The leader of the Hines' family, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother was born in Florence County on May 23, 1933. He was the devoted son of Columbus Hines and Amy Hines McAllister. Jesse received his primary education at Elim Elementary School in Effingham, SC. He then attended Wilson High School in Florence, graduating in 1951. In the spring of 1951, Jesse enrolled at South Carolina State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Agriculture degree in 1955. Upon graduation, Jesse entered into the work force in Bridgeport, Connecticut. After eighteen months of service in the Steel industry, Jesse was drafted into the United States Army. He completed Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC and deployed to Korea in support of the Korean Conflict for fourteen months and three days. He was discharged honorably on April 15, 1959. Shortly after reintegration with his family, Jesse went to work as an Agriculture teacher at Spaulding High School for 18 years. Over the years, Jesse taught, trained and was a mentor to many. His students, of the Future Farmers of America Organization, were outstanding and competed throughout the State, amassing several first place awards over the years. D uring this time, Jesse saw a need in the community. In 1963, he broke ground on the first of two coin operated laundromats and a beauty salon. A business leader was born. In order to strategically prepare for a career in administration, Jesse continued his studies at South Carolina State and received his Master's Degree in Education, in 1967. He then completed his Masters plus 30 hours, for certification in administration, at the University of South Carolina and Clemson. In 1977, Jesse was selected to serve as the Vocational Director for the Lee County Career and Technology Center. As the director, he helped to maintain and establish award winning programs in the field of auto mechanics, small engine repair, office management, power sewing, and brick masonry. He had an outstanding staff and support system for 12 years. Jesse retired in 1989, only to be called back to service as the Director of Adult & Community Education for Darlington, followed by serving as Interim Superintendent for Florence County District Four. In conjunction with over 30 years of service in secondary education, Jesse also served as a Critic Teacher for South Carolina State University and Clemson University. He also served as a certified lead instructor for Performance Effective Teaching. Jesse was a people's person. He was known for his love and dedication to his surrounding community and state. He first represented his community on the local level as a member of the Lamar Town Council and later served on the Darlington County Board of Education. Armed with the knowledge of basic government principles, Jesse was prepared to tackle the future assignment of serving as a member of the South Carolina General Assembly. He was elected to represent House District 62 in 1991 and served for fourteen years. While in office, his main focus was to address the issues that affected the district he represented. Often times, he was met with fierce opposition but he never wavered from the voices of the constituents he served. Jesse had a unique way of developing bi-partisan relationships that were true to the core while maintaining his fundamental beliefs. He served on many significant boards and committees in the SC House of Representatives, to include: the Education and Public Works Committee and served as 2nd Vice Chairman of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. As a reflection of his fourteen years of service to the State and General Assembly, Jesse was bestowed the highest recognized honor in the State of South Carolina, "The Order of the Palmetto" by Governor Mark Sanford. In addition to his service in the public sector, Jesse belonged to several organizations to include the NAACP, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Meadow Prong Lodge #246 Free & Accepted Masons, Board of Deacons, and Meadow Prong Baptist Church. He was also one of the founding members of the New Christian Fellowship Baptist Church, Effingham, SC. His honors and awards were many. To name a few, he received the Outstanding Secondary Educator in America Award, 1973; Honorary State Farmer, Clemson University, 1972; Phi Beta Sigma Outstanding Graduate Brother, Southeastern Region, 1988 and Citizen of the Year Award, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., 1996. H e loved life, people and was known for shaking hands with top dignitaries to the most common man. Everyone was important. He had a way with words and an analogy for every situation. He was famous for his teachable moments. He loved South Carolina State and was an avid financial supporter. Jesse was a spiritual leader and understood not by sight but by faith. His mantra was simply, "Stay Ready and You Won't Have to Worry about Getting Ready --- Anticipate the Next Play." J esse's family was his dearest asset. To share his legacy of love is his devoted and adoring wife of more than 53 years, Neverseen K. Hines of Lamar, SC; his children, Wanda H. (Harold) Robinson of Double Oak, TX and Jesse E. (Nicole) Hines Jr., of Moncks Corner, SC; four grandchildren, Stephan L. Robinson, Adriana L. Robinson, Hadyn N. Hines and Devan L. Robinson; a loyal sister, Catherine H. Green of Florence, SC; a special son, Leon McDaniel; an adopted mother, Dorothy White and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives and friends. The Hines family request donations be made to the South Carolina State University Foundation, in the name of Jesse Edison Hines, Sr., in lieu of flowers. Donations may be mailed to SC State University Foundation, 300 College Street, Orangeburg, SC 29117.