April 28, 1930 ~ October 14, 2024 (age 94)
Joseph Delmas Hinson, Sr., age 94, died at his home in the Bethel Community of Columbus County on Monday, October 14, 2024, following an extensive illness. He was born in 1930 in the Bethel Community, played baseball at Williams Township High School, served in the US Coast Guard, and then pursued a successful sales and managerial career with Smith-Douglas Fertilizer and successor companies throughout eastern North Carolina.
In 1954, Delmas married Frances Belle Long, also of the Bethel Community. Their only child, Delmas Jr., was born in 1966, and survives his father and mother. Frances died in 2007, after which Delmas and his son moved from Kinston NC back to the Bethel Community.
Delmas devoted all his time after his wife’s passing to providing full time care for their son. Even in recent months as Delmas became less physically capable of caring for Delmas Jr., he managed his son’s care through family members and professional caregivers.
In addition to his wife, Delmas was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Dow Hinson and Mary Doretha Gore; by his two younger brothers, Dan R. Hinson and Elton R. Hinson; and by sisters-in-law Lucille Long Blackwell, his wife’s sister, and Lorraine Long Hinson, Dan’s wife.
In addition to his son, Delmas is survived by three sisters of his late wife, Monnie Long McLamb, Nell Long Buffkin, and Gayle Long Ward; by Shirley Lake Hinson, wife of his brother Elton; by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in multiple generations; and by Aunt Louise Gore David, his mother’s youngest sister, now over 100 years old.
At the time of his death, Delmas was the oldest member of Bethel Methodist Church which will hold a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Rev. Gary Clore, who will conduct the service, developed a close personal bond with Delmas after Rev. Clore became pastor of Bethel Methodist Church nearly two years ago. Inurnment service will follow at Bethel Cemetery on MM Ray Road, where family members will receive guests.
Anyone wishing to make memorial contributions for Delmas may send checks to either (1) Bethel Methodist Church, c/o E McLean, 8546 Lebanon Church Rd, Clarendon, NC 28432 or (2) Lower Cape Fear Lifecare, 206 Warrior Rd, Whiteville, NC 28472.
Delmas never met a stranger; he could talk with anyone. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory.
