W. Ron Hines

     Our hearts are heavy, but our lives are filled with beautiful and special memories of W. Ron Hines,  a man whose legacy of love and dedication will endure for generations. He passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, at the age of 88, surrounded by his entire family. A devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, and wife of 65 years, Anne Elizabeth Hines (French), a cherished father to his children William Mark Hines, Eric Christian Hines (Heidi), and Jane Elizabeth Hines-Sullivan (Jim), and a proud, inspirational grandfather to his eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Tyler Haigwood, Christian Hines, Ava Hines, Payton Hines, Shea Sullivan, Lucy Hines, Emery Hines, Josie Hines and Sailor Hines, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

     Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Edna Bolles, father, Leslie John Hines, his sister, Leona Long, and his four brothers, Warren, Willard, Jimmy, and John Darrell Hines. Born and raised on Spud Run, a small family farm in Chillicothe, Ohio, Ron’s early years were spent milking cows before dawn and harvesting corn under the light of the moon. His hardworking upbringing forged his toughness, while his love for learning and sports shined through. An excellent student, he was an even better basketball and baseball player and encouraged all of us to try as many sports as we could. After being mentored by Chillicothe HS Coach, Ed Alexinis, Ron earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, where he played for the Bearcats under Coach Ed Jucker.

     While at UC, he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, followed by a Master’s degree, all while working at General Electric through their co-op program. Over his 40-plus-year career at GE, Ron was awarded 25 U.S. patents, a testament to his brilliant mind and relentless work ethic. He was particularly proud of his work on GE's flagship engine, the GE-90, and the commendation he received from Brian Rowe. While with GE, he made many trips to Paris working on a joint program and he met Jacques Périer. He and Anne became lifelong friends with Jacques and Elise, and their children, who lined up with their own: Emmanuel, Luc, and Claire. Additionally, he worked on projects for the U.S. Military including the F-16 and SR-71 spy plane. Key contributions to our country’s defense.

     At 62, Ron retired, dedicating his time to researching family history, traveling with Annie all over Europe, Ireland, and Scotland, and sharing his wisdom and wonderfully detailed photo books with his family. Ron even made it to Jerusalem! He was an ever-present father and grandfather, always showing up for his children and grandchildren despite the long hours he worked every day. His homemade pies, especially his legendary pumpkin pie, became the highlight of every holiday season, and we eagerly anticipated them each year. His tradition will continue this Thanksgiving!

     What we’ll remember most are the sacrifices he made for all of us, his favorite road-trip sayings, “We’ll be there when we get there,” and ”Keep it empty”, and the unforgettable family vacations to the National Parks, especially Isle Royale. He emphasized the importance of education, hard work, and travel, instilling those values in each of us. Above all, Dad finished what he started, leaving behind what mattered most to him -  a loving family united in their devotion to each other and their mother, determined to nurture and carry on the tradition he built for generations to come.  #HinesStrong

     Donations in his name can be made to: https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate/

     Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the WARE FUNERAL HOME.  Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery.  Visitation will be held 12 Noon – 1 p.m. prior to the service.

     You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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