Ronald A. Hines

Ronald A. Hines, age 64 years, a resident of rural Belknap, Illinois (the New Columbia community), passed away unexpectedly on his farm Thursday, September 18, 2014. He spent his last day tending to his cattle and land in the sunshine. Ronald was born July 23, 1950 in rural Massac County. He was the son of Edwin Lavern & Iva Elizabeth (Smith) Hines. Survivors include: his daughters – Megan (Brian) Bergfeld of St. Louis, Missouri and Kelsey (Nathaniel) Martin of Wake Forest, North Carolina; a brother – Gary (Debbie) Hines of the New Columbia community; 2 nephews, a niece, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Lavern & Iva Hines. Ronald was a graduate of Metropolis Community High School and earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education and Mechanization from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Ronald also had served in and was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard of Illinois. Ronald was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church. He was also a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, the Massac County Farm Bureau, the Massac County Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as the Wildlife Society. Ronald’s career and passion was in farming and crop science. He was employed, until his retirement, at the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center. More recently, he worked with Syngenta as a seed agronomist. Ronald had a deep knowledge and understanding of farming and crop sciences, which he readily shared professionally in lectures and published research articles. Additionally, Ronald is fondly remembered for his love of helping his neighbors and local farmers as the “go-to person” in all matters regarding agriculture. Ronald loved the land and farming. He enjoyed working with his cattle and spending time with his faithful canine companion, Shea. Above all, Ronald especially cherished time spent with his daughters. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, September 21, 2014, at 3 PM at the New Hope Baptist Church near New Columbia. Pastor Frank Forthman will officiate. Interment will be in the Metropolis Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be conducted from 1 PM – 3 PM Sunday at the church. Memorials may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church, c/o Kent Korte, 5870 New Columbia Road, Metropolis, Illinois 62960.

Ronald A. Hines

July 23, 1950 - September 18, 2014