Charles William Hines, 80, of Laneview, Virginia, passed away April 2, 2025, in the Virginia Commonwealth Hospital palliative care unit. Charles was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, along with twin brother, John, on December 26, 1944, to Willard and Levie Hines.
Charles’ early childhood and later formative adolescent years were spent in the company of his grandfather Jenkins, who owned a small farm in Arkansas. Charles and his brother spent their youth fishing, trying to ride bulls, and accompanying their grandfather on his daily exploits. Farm life had Charles smitten from an early age. Due to the experience Charles gained working on the farm, he was asked to work for a local judge as a ranch hand at age 15. Charles worked on the ranch and saved money for college.
He excelled at his studies and upon graduation from John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, he attended Oklahoma State University’s engineering program. Post graduation, Charles attended graduate school and obtained his master’s degree in electrical engineering. During college, he met the love of his life, Sylvia Dale Yeager.
Charles arrived in Huntsville, Alabama to work for GTE in 1976. During his time with GTE, Charles designed the circuitry for the flip phone and helped design early voice recognition computer systems. Charles held multiple patents for his designs of telecommunications, defense and space industry products. Charles later worked for Boeing and retired in 2009.
Charles was a member of Hillwood Baptist Church in Huntsville. He was also a member of Glebe Landing Baptist Church in Laneview, Virginia, where he moved following his retirement. He was an avid baker and got immense pleasure from baking and giving his cakes and dessert breads to others. He also enjoyed observing wildlife. Charles had an exceedingly kind and generous heart.
Charles is survived by his daughter, Tracy Hines; brothers, John Hines (Rita) and Ronald Hines (Pat); sister, Janice Hines-Brock (Bruce); nephew, James Hines (Cammie); nieces, Kathryn Hines, Kimberly Collins (Adam), Kasey Cockrell (Richard), and Kelly Hines; and cousin, Janie Buchanan (Tom). Charles was a wonderful father, husband, uncle, brother, cousin and friend, and he was loved by so many. He will be dearly missed.
Charles will be laid to rest beside his wife during a graveside service on Friday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama. A celebration of Charles’ life is being planned for a future date for all his friends and neighbors in Laneview, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to thedoorways.org in Richmond, VA. You can do so through their website, or you may call them directly at 804-828-6901.
