BENTON — Gerald L. Hines,

78 years young, of Benton, passed peacefully on Monday, November 29, 2021, with his loving wife by his side. Always a character, he was a man of many names: Snookie, Rooster, Homer, Yosemite or Sam (due to his bantam size and massive red handlebar moustache), Dad, Poppy, and Poppa. A graduate of Bauxite High School, he was a longtime supporter of the Bauxite Museum and community. Gerald joined the Marines and proudly played piccolo in the United States Marine Band. Later he worked in Radio, was a City of Benton Policeman (where he made his cinematic debut driving the patrol car in the funeral scene of the movie “White Lightning”) and Detective, finally settling in with Ma Bell (SW Bell Telephone Co.)

Gerald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Veneta Hines, children, Terri Hines, Stephanie and Ed Nelson and Eric Hines, brother, Max and Linda Hines, grandchildren, Amelia Bratton, Chloe Hines, Paige, and JD Dunn, and dog, Pistol. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Maxine Hines; brother, Billy D. Hines. A visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home, W. Narroway and Main St., Monday evening, December 6, 2021, from 6 until 8 p.m. Online guestbook at: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com