Walter Earl Hines Sr

The book of life opened for Walter "Jelly" Earl Hines, Sr. on August 1, 1951, in Champaign, Illinois. He was the second of five siblings born to the union of the late David Charles Sr, and Marie Hines.
Earl was educated in Champaign public schools and was a 1969 graduate of Champaign Central High School. After graduation, he continued his education at the University of Illinois, where he majored in architecture. While attending U of I, he was recognized on the dean's list.
Earl knew the value in everything he invested in. He also understood that the value of life comes from within and is not determined by material possessions, titles, or social status, but by examining your heart and actions. Therefore, on June 14, 1975, he married his wife, Mardee Reid, which was his epiphany of Love, Devotion, and Life's values. Together they raised their two sons, Chico and Tino, and created a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
Earl was also the patriarch of his family and valued hard work and dedication. He was employed with Parkside and Mansard Square as Head of Maintenance; once Champaign County housing Authority took over management of the properties, he continued (in the same position) for all properties under the operation of CCHA. In 2021, Earl retired after 47 years of labor and dedication.
Earl was a "DYNAMIC" drummer for many years. In his early part of life, he was a member of his high school band and played with the U of I Lab Band. Throughout his years, he played with Sorgham and many other local bands, that included playing for Ebony Fashion shows.
Earl was a man of integrity and order, often putting the needs of others before his own. He was an avid cook and was known to welcome and feed anyone he encountered, especially his family and friends. Outside of serving others, Earl also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and entertaining. Many people are stronger and better because of the love, encouragement, and wisdom he imparted in them. His life and legacy are unsurpassed; he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A Life well Lived on Purpose!
Earl understood that nothing came by fate or luck, but strictly by the promises of God. He recently confessed his love for God, and accepted Christ as his Lord and personal Savior.
On August 11, 2022, Earl went from Labor to Reward in Chicago, IL. He leaves to cherish his loving memories to his wife: Mardee Hines; sons: LaDarol (Nikki) Anthony Hines, Sr, and Walter Earl Hines, Jr; brothers: David Charles Hines, Jr, and special brother, Jimmy Wilson; sisters: Rose (James) Lewis-Calvin, Carol (Edward) Mitchell, and Linda K. Fox; mother and father in law: Ebell and Etha Reid; grandchildren: LaNeesa "Bre" LaDarol "Chico", Jr, Lareno "Re", Daeja, Layla, Latianna, Tiyon, Tyriss "Peanut", Tyson "Jelly", Niya, and Anthony; great grandchildren: Kamiyah, Karmelo, Cynova, and Onya; Godchildren: Shannaya, Devan, Niandra, Tijuana, Tiffany and Kristi; aunt and uncle: William "Billy" Hines and Earnestine Coleman; sisters and brothers in law: Ebell "Sunny" Reid Jr, Debarah (Peter) McFarland, Walter (Billie) Reid, and Ann Reid; special traveling friends: Charles and Jewel Exum; special sister: Bonnie Bew; special friends: Tony, Poncho, Larry, Alvin, and the Paducah Travis Family. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents, and fraternal grandparents.