A greater storyteller there never was…
On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Lawrence “Johnny” Hines was reunited with his maker at the accomplished age of 81.
Johnny was a man of many talents and passions. He served in the United States Airforce as a B47 Maintenance Crew Chief.
Johnny traveled the country flying planes, hopping trains, and racing cars. He was a talented woodworker and lovingly crafted gifts for many of his friends and family. He had a fierce love of jalapeño poppers, a bold cup of coffee, and the gospel. Johnny relished in any opportunity to tell a good story about his renegade youth and his outlaw relatives; and did so with the panache of a classically trained troubadour. Johnny never met a stranger. His friends were many.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Bird and Betty Martha Hines and his siblings Rainey, Sandy, and George.
Johnny is survived by his wife Karen and his children Kevin Harris, Teddie Phillips, Susie Ryon, Donnie Pomponio, Patrick Hines, Susan Lockwood, Jerry Johnson, Alan Johnson, Charlie Thatcher, and Candy Thatcher. Johnny was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
In memoriam, Johnny’s family asks that friends and loved ones stop by sometime and re-tell the stories he can no longer tell.
A celebration of Johnny’s life will take place on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 2pm at Denver United Methodist Church. Reception and storytelling will follow at 3pm at Pursuit Church.
My heartfelt prayers go out to the entire family. I was very proud to be his daughter. We just did not have enough time in this life. My condolences for your loss Karen. I know how much he loved you. God bless each and everyone in the family. I know that a loss is hard on everyone that ever knew him.
My heart is broken. In all my years I have never had better or closer friends. We have had so many great experiences in our years together. I have always felt like I was home when we were together. I too loved the stories. Johnny was the only person who could break through the invisible protective barrier my child built around herself. He made her feel loved and safe. How he would make sure whenever we went out he would tell people that she was his most prized “Yankee”. How she loved her “Larry”. Most people want to be called wonderful meaningful names…I loved being called “Doodles”. We will meet again my Johnny. And until then Karen and I will wait together. I love you forever.
I am so glad we had a great time Monday. I always like Johnny and his free spirit. He was a man of many hats. Johnny & Karen do some amazing work for my Karate Dojo. This is just another example of spending time with each other’s, talking with him about life and no rush, we will get together Monday. I loved his spirit to try anything. I Hate I can not make the celebration with Family & Friends. But, honestly believe God brought us together that day. I have dental surgery Wednesday and will not be back by Friday! I had said I can do it when I get back, but you know that feeling of inner guidance that says , better do it today. I am so glad Johhny and I and Karen had a final FUN meeting Monday about life and how BEST we were! Johnny you were the best and we discuss before…. LIFE WILL NEVER BE LONG ENOUGH!! Enjoy life while you CAN!! Go and Do it today!! RIP my FRIEND!! McCall
Hi. My name is Natasha Ryon. I’m Susie Ryon’s daughter, which would make me his granddaughter. My mom just showed me Jimmy’s obituary picture, along with the eulogy. After looking at the picture and reading the eulogy,I realized just how much my mom was like her dad! It’s uncanny how much they were alike. My mom thinks about him often.I wished I could’ve met him and spent more time with a family that I’ve never had the chance to meet. Jimmy (grandpa) is in my prayers . God bless…
Natasha Ryon
Correction:
Due to Google to text ,The name “Jimmy”,it is supposed to read “Johnny”. I apologize for the error above.
N. Ryon