Joel Leon Hinton, age 68, passed away Monday, June 1, 2020 at his home surrounded by family. Joel was born November 4, 1951 in Florence, AL to the late Lell B. Hinton and Hazel Hill Hinton.
Joel’s life is characterized by two qualities: kindness and his love for other people and his country. Joel served proudly in the Army National Guard for over 30 years. During his service Joel deployed all over the world, places such as Panama during Noriega’s reign, Bosnia, Iraq and Iran during Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Honduras. James, Joel’s son, recalled a fond story of being stationed with the Army in Bosnia, only to see his father drive up with the Army National Guard Medical Unit driving an ambulance. They were stationed together for two weeks, which was a wonderful surprise for them both. Following his service Joel worked other jobs, but his heart was always in serving his country and its people.
All through Joel’s life he carried a spirit of kindness with him. He loved to make people laugh and spread joy. He was the kind of man that would literally give someone the last dollar in his pocket to anyone that needed it. He was the kind of person that would notice someone’s grass was a little tall and take the time to go cut it for them. Joel was an incredible person, and the world is less without him. He loved his family dearly and everyone that knew Joel loved him. He will be missed.
Joel is survived by his son: James (Candace) Hinton; grandchildren: Nicholas Hinton, Austin Hinton, Bobby (Brooklyn) Fox, Carson Hinton, Landon Hinton, and Wyatt Hinton; great-grandchildren: Aaron Risner, Damon Hinton, and Aaden Hinton; brother: Gary (Shirley) Hinton; and several nieces and nephews. Joel is preceded in death by his parents and brother: Jerry Hinton of Petersville, AL.
Joel will be laid to rest at 4:00 p.m. on June 13, 2020 at Balentine Cemetery in Lutts, TN. Well-deserved military honors will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local veterans association in your area in Joel’s name; or donate at the time of the service and it will be dispersed accordingly.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family online at www.williamsfh.com.
