Wylie “Mack” Hinton, 84, died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, at El Reposo Nursing Facility.
Mack was born and raised on his family’s farm in Woodland, Alabama. He made a profession of faith in Christ as a teenager at a revival.
After graduating from Woodland High School, Mack began his college career at Emory University in Oxford, Georgia where he earned a partial scholarship from the Methodist Church Foundation. His education was suspended when he was drafted into the Army in the Spring of 1954. Mack served during the Korean Conflict as the battery clerk for the Army’s 663rd Field Artillery Battalion, Charlie Company. He was stationed on Okinawa Island. He began his tour in October of 1954 and completed active duty in August of 1956. He was honorably discharged from the Army and the Army reserves on Sept. 30, 1962.
After his time in the Army, Mack completed is B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering at Auburn University. He was ranked sixth in the graduating class at the December commencement in 1959. During his time at Auburn, Mack played guitar in a jazz band. He was a talented guitarist and also played piano.
Mack began his career with NASA in 1960. He worked as a budget analyst until Dec. 31, 1989. He worked with NASA during the Gemini, Apollo, Sky Lab, and Space Shuttle eras.
Mack’s greatest joy was being “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He loved to spend time reading to them, playing music with them, and drawing with them.
Throughout his life, Mack loved gardening. He once told Marty that he found great pleasure in planting seeds, nurturing the plants, and having a good harvest.
He also loved Auburn football and was a season ticket holder. He and Jimmie Ann attended many games and have great memories of those seasons.
Most of all, Mack was a wonderful Christian example to his family. He was a member and faithful servant of the Rogersville United Methodist Church.
A private burial was held at Civitan Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 1-3 p.m. with memorial service following at Rogersville United Methodist Church. Bill Smith and Robert Lancaster will be officiating.
Mr. Hinton was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Janie Hinton; sister, Ann Wilder; brother, Billy Hinton; son, James McMurray Hinton; and father-in-law, James Whitehead.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jimmie Ann Hinton; children, Susan (Tony) Shirley and Marty (Lucretia) Hinton; grandchildren, Will, Wes and Lorianna Shirley and Hayley and Kaylyn Hinton; great-grandson, Brody; mother-in-law, Nadine Waddell; sister-in-law, Maggie Hinton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visit rogersvillefh.com to share memories with the Hinton family.
