His Life Story
Mr. Jerry Hines was born at Gassoway, Louisiana on
August 2, 1926 to Theresa Watson and James Hines. He was
reared by his aunt and uncle, Clara and Robert James after his
mother passed away when he was five years old.
He was a very studious young man with an inquisitive
mind and a desire to learn. He graduated with honors from
elementary school in Milliken, Louisiana, and graduated
secondary school from East Carroll Training School in Lake
Providence, Louisiana.
After graduation, he worked with his uncle on the farm and
in the timber business. Under the tutorage of his uncle, his
knowledge of combustion engines was enhanced. His expertise
gained him the reputation of being the best auto mechanic in
the area, and was his livelihood throughout his working life.
He served in the U.S. Army during peace-time between World
War II and the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan,
and various bases stateside. After being honorably discharged,
he returned to Gassoway, where he continued his auto repair
career at Ford Motor Company in Eudora, Arkansas. Later, he
became the sole proprietor of his own shop in Lake Providence,
Louisiana.
He accepted Christ as his personal savior, and was a
member of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Lake
Providence, Louisiana. He was an avid biblical intellect who
diligently studied the scriptures throughout his life. He could
recite several chapters of the bible from memory.
His longtime ladylove, Ms. Ethel M. Threats, was at his side
for 70 years. She was his greatest ally and closest friend for most
of his life.
He is preceded in death by 3 children, Theresa Parks Beard,
Lonnie B. Jones, and Aaron “Rudy” Threats; 2 sisters, Gussie R.
Payton and Irene Watson; and one grandson, John Sampratt, Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, 4 children, Gloria Spencer-
Sampratt, Percy Threats (Linda), Aurora Threats-Lewis (Gary),
and Jerry H. Threats; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Green Threats;
a very special, devoted and dedicated grandson, Fred L. Threats,
Sr.; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins,
nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
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