Ronald Hines

Ronald Hines, affectionately known as "Ron" was born on September 26, 1940, to Russell and Mamie Hines, and proudly raised in New Rochelle, New York. Exceptionally gifted from a young age, Ron's clear academic talents earned him admission to Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts-one of the nation's most prestigious and historic preparatory schools.

Anyone who knew Ron knew of his lifelong love affair with cars. His fascination with automobiles began early and only deepened over time. While attending Phillips Academy, fate paired him with fellow car enthusiast, his roommate John Cox of Indiana, a friendship that further ignited Ron's passion. After John introduced him to a Rod & Custom magazine article featuring a 1934 Ford five-window coupe, Ron became fully captivated. At just 14 years old, he took on a paper route, saved diligently, and purchased a partially finished 1948 Plymouth coupe with a chopped top. Though his father required him to return the car because he was not yet old enough to drive, the spark had already taken hold-and it would last a lifetime.

Ron's faith was a cornerstone of his life. A devoted member of St. John's Baptist Church for more than 40 years, he lived according to the principles he studied in the Holy Bible. Music was also a source of joy and inspiration for Ron. A true Doo-Wop and Jazz enthusiast, he especially appreciated the work of jazz pianist and composer Erroll Garner.

After graduating from Phillips Academy, Ron attended the University of Pennsylvania, earning his degree in mechanical engineering in 1963. While at U Penn, he became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. During his senior year, he met Ennis Dawson, a local drag racer who reignited Ron's passion for automobiles. Soon after, Ron purchased a 1953 Studebaker coupe and began entering sanctioned National Hot Rod Association events at Strato Rods Dragway on McGuire Air Force Base in Wrightstown, New Jersey.

Following college and a brief period of military service, Ron began a distinguished 35-year career with General Motors as a quality control engineer at the Trenton, New Jersey plant, retiring on September 1, 2002. Throughout his tenure, he was respected, trusted, and deeply appreciated by his colleagues at every level.

In 1966, Ron purchased a 1933 five-window Ford coupe hot rod-a car he cherished for decades. Over the years, he transformed it multiple times, turning it into a trophy-winning drag racer, an unforgettable street machine, and ultimately a classic street rod.

Ron's commitment to advancing Black representation in racing was profound. In 1972, he met Leonard Miller, who became his closest friend and partner in a shared vision to unite the Black racing community. Together with Leonard Miller, Eugene Gadson, and Charlie Singleton, Ron co-founded the Black American Racers Association (BARA). As BARA's secretary, he published its monthly newsletter and contributed significantly to the 1974 Black Racers Yearbook, writing half of its articles. The publication highlighted pre–World War II Black racing history and offered practical guidance for securing sponsorships-earning support from several Fortune 500 companies. Ron became the first Black Ivy League–educated auto racing engineer on Black America's road racing circuits.

In 1973, Ron joined Miller's road racing team with driver Benny Scott and later served as an engineer for Randy Bethea and Tommy Thompson in Sports Car Club of America and International Motor Sports Association events. His expertise and passion led to appearances on several East Coast television and radio programs alongside Miller and Scott.

Beyond racing, Ron was committed to uplifting young people. As an instructor at Granville Academy in Trenton, he mentored minority urban youth, helping them strengthen their math skills and preparing them for careers in engineering and technical fields.

Ron also poured his heart into organizing the annual specialty car and motorcycle show at St. John's Baptist Church-a labor of love he nurtured for 20 years. He was an active member of Capital City Cruisers NJ and the Central Jersey Antique Car Club, and he cherished traveling to car shows across the country with his son, Ron Jr. In 2018, father and son proudly opened Hines Automotive and Towing together.

Ron lived a life defined by faith, intellect, craftsmanship, and an unwavering passion for the things he loved most-his family, cars, music, and community. His legacy lives on in the countless people he inspired, mentored, and loved.

Rest in peace, Ron. Though your presence will be missed dearly, we celebrate the remarkable life you lived and the legacy of strength, love, and faith you leave behind. Like the Apostle Paul, Ron "fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith" (II Timothy 4:7–8). On Friday, January 30, 2026, Ron opened his eyes to see Jesus at the gates and walked with Him into eternal peace. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mamie and Russell Hines, and his brother, Russell Hines. He was a devoted father who leaves to cherish his memory of his three loving children: April Scott (Fraizer) of Atlanta, GA; Nicole Hines of Atlanta, GA; and Ronald Hines Jr. of Ewing, NJ. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria F. Copeland.

Ron was a proud grandfather to Aaron Hines of Atlanta, GA; Amber Hines-Adkins of Atlanta, GA; and Andre Bolden of Atlanta, GA. He was blessed to spend precious time with his great-granddaughter, Aspen Jeffery. He was also the proud Godfather to Tiffany Poli and his three bonus daughters, Nadja Skelton of Chicago, Paula Skelton of Ewing, NJ, and Joy Copeland -Herrera, of NY. Ron was a guiding presence in the lives of his nieces, nephews, godchild, and a host of cherished family members and friends who mourn his loss. The Hines family would like to acknowledge a special person in our life who played an important role in the last years of Ron's life, Michelle Trauger. Her kindness, support, care, diligence, love, compassion, and companionship will never be forgotten. Thank you!

Ron will be remembered for his warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for hot rods and classic cars.

Job well done, Mr. Hines. Fly high.

Funeral service will be 10am Saturday, February 7, 2026 at St. John's Baptist Church, 70 Oregon Ave., Ewing, NJ 08638. Calling hours will be 8am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at Ewing Cemetery, Ewing, NJ.