State Road Mr. Esker D. Hinson, age 86 of 158 Country Club Drive, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital. Mr. Hinson was born March 24, 1922 in Surry County to Dallas Esker and Kate Collins Hinson. Mr. Hinson was a veteran of the United States Army and service in Philippines during WWII. He retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and during his employment, in 1983 he received the Governor's Award for Excellence for assisting in freeing a burning woman from the wreckage of a tractor trailer cab just moments before it exploded. He was prior owner and operator of Hinson Strawberry Farm. Esker was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church where he was a trustee, deacon and had served as Superintendent of Sunday School. He was also assistant Treasurer for 19 years during which time land was purchased and the present church building erected. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ray Hinson; a brother, John Dee Hinson and three sisters, Ileene Hinson, Fay Eldridge and Connie Nance. Survivors include: his wife of 65 years, Margaret Carter Hinson of the home; two sons, Scott D. Hinson, Mack A. Hinson and wife Susan all of State Road; a daughter-in-law, Phyllis R. Hinson of State Road; a brother, Leon Hinson of State Road; three sisters, Blenda Wagoner of Thurmond, Jane Merritt of State Road, Dorla Wagoner of Elkin; six grandchildren, Rita Wiles and husband Neil of Elkin, April Bauguess and husband Jason of Traphill, Joy Hinson and Matt Hinson of State Road, Brett Hinson and Rachel of Elkin, Dawn Hinson of Sparta; five great grandchildren, Cierra Hinson, Dackota Settle, Amy Hinson, Colby Bauguess, Maison Bauguess; one great-great grandchild, Kaydence Hinson. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 5, 2008 at Poplar Springs Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Steve Kramm, Rev. Dan Spears and Rev. Roger Hensley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the church. "The family would like to thank the entire medical staff of Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital and to all of their friends and neighbors for their endless support and acts of kindness. Also a special thanks to CNA T.J. Ross for his 12 months of caring for Esker." In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Poplar Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 38, State Road, NC 28676 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Hinson Family
