Mr. Joseph Gene Hinson, Sr. : Obituary

Mr. Joseph G. Hinson, Sr., “Gene”, age 88, of Hiawassee, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016 in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Mr. Hinson was born on May 6, 1927, a son of the late Mary and James Hinson, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gene attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He served his country in the United States Air Force and Navy.

Gene worked at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He then went on to Sterling Drug Company, where he rose to become president of the international company. During his career Gene was instrumental in the development and delivery of the drugs that virtually eliminated polio and a vaccine for measles. Gene lived in Atlanta, Connecticut, Mexico City, Athens, Greece, and Savannah. He retired to Hiawassee where he lived until his death.

Gene was an avid jogger, tennis player, sailor, cyclist, swimmer and later, golfer. There is an annual golf tournament a Chatuge Shores, “The Gene Hinson Par 3 Tournament”. Although in separate legs, he ran the entire course of the original Greek marathon. Gene was an active member of every community he lived in. He was involved in politics in both Savannah and Hiawassee. He was a member and leader in the Union Hill United Methodist Church in Hiawassee where he served on the Board of Trustees. Gene was lucky enough to marry the prettiest girl from College Park, Georgia, who loved him and cared for him for 63 years, Nancy. Gene is survived by four loving children: Claire, Joe, Gary, and Michael. His 10 grandchildren and 5 1/2 great grandchildren will not have the full enrichment in their lives that Gene Hinson gave to so many others that knew him longer. We miss you Dad….

Memorial services have been scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home in Hiawassee. The family will meet with friends for one hour prior to the memorial service.

If you wish to do so, memorial contributions may be directed to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: www.michaeljfox.org

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Hiawassee. Please share your condolences with this family on our website,www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.