September 9, 2024
Rev. Hinton Harmon Harris, Jr., passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of January 15, 2024, and awoke in heaven. Hinton H. Harris, Jr., was born on February 8, 1937, in Powhatan, Va., to the late Hinton H. Harris, Sr., and Alice Harris. After graduating from Fairfax County High School in Virginia, Hinton took a train to Carson-Newnan College in Jefferson City, Tenn., where he met his bride, Barbara Jean Ellison. Hinton graduated from Carson-Newnan College in 1959. Following graduation, he served as the pastor of his first church, Fair Oaks Baptist Church in Marietta, for two years. He then returned to northern Virginia to attend Washington Bible College. In 1965, he felt led to pursue studies at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a Master's in Theology in 1968 and a Master's in Religious Education in 1970. Although one semester shy of obtaining his doctorate, due to his son's health conditions, he moved to a different climate.
In June 1970, Hinton accepted the call to Emmanuel Baptist Church in Riverdale, Ga., as Associate Pastor and Music Director. During his 20 years of service, Emmanuel experienced significant growth, becoming one of the largest churches in the South Metro Baptist Association. After Senior Pastor Hershal Turner's retirement, Emmanuel called Hinton as the next pastor, where he served an additional 10 years.
Following his time at Emmanuel Baptist, Hinton and Barbara joined First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. At FBC, Hinton contributed to their Pastoral Care Ministry for 18 years, ministering to families of FBC. Although most will remember Hinton for his hospital visits, nursing home visits, and assisting in funerals, Hinton’s true passion was in missions and sharing the gospel. Hinton participated in numerous mission trips in North America, Cuba, and Ukraine.
A Service honoring the Life and Legacy of Pastor Hinton H. Harris, Jr. of Riverdale, Ga., will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Jonesboro, 142 College Street, Jonesboro, Ga.; Dr. Mel Blackaby, Senior Pastor and Dr. Lanny Loe, Officiant and Eulogist. Interment, Westminster Memorial Park. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in memory of Pastor Hinton H. Harris, Jr.
