Austin Eugene Hinds, Jr., a cherished member of the Arab community, peacefully passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by his family. Austin was a man driven by hard work, determination, and unwavering perseverance. From a young age, he understood the significance of effort and commitment, and the concept of quitting was foreign to him.
Above all, Austin cherished his family. Time spent with loved ones held immense value for him, and his devotion was evident in countless acts of care, support, and quiet sacrifice. Family was always his top priority. Austin also had a deep passion for collecting classic cars and attending classic car auctions across the country. He also enjoyed cheering on his favorite sports team, the Auburn Tigers, watching westerns, and listening to good old country music.
Austin, a businessman who started his career in 1973, was often perceived as a serious and respected individual. However, to his family and closest friends, he was known as a big teddy bear—kind, gentle, and endlessly caring. Renowned for his remarkable kindness and a truly big heart, Austin was always willing to help others, often without expecting anything in return.
Austin will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the great privilege of knowing him.
Austin is survived by his loving wife, Jacquelin Leach Hinds, and their children: Steve (Alisha) Hinds, Rod Hinds, Todd (Tammy) Isom, Amy (Vince) Glassco, Greg (Aneitra) Hinds. They also have grandchildren: Bradley Hinds, Colby (Skylar) Glassco, Dalton (Caitlyn) Hinds, Cole (Allison) Isom, Zac Hinds, Macy (Brandon) White, Taylor Hinds, Allie (Preston) Bryant, and Trevor (Ari) Hinds. Great-grandchildren include Carson Hinds, Harper Hinds, Hollis Hinds, Braelie Isom, Whitt Glassco, Hudson Isom, and Jenni Cate Hinds.
Services for Austin will be held at Arab United First Methodist Church on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Visitation will commence at 1:00 p.m. and conclude before the funeral service begins at 3:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place at Arab Memorial Cemetery. Elias Pratt, Bradley Hinds, Colby Glassco, Dalton Hinds, Cole Isom, Zac Hinds, Taylor Hinds, and Trevor Hinds will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers include Garwin Betterton, Gary Brown, Buddy Green, James Gulledge, James Hardin, Howard Hawk, Bob Joslin, Marlin Love, JW Moon, Duncan Showler, GT Skinner, Homer Talley, Randy Tolbert, Charlie Whitehead, and Danny Wright.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
