So sorry to just hear of Pastor Garland Hines’ passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. The Byrds’ from St. James UMC Hampton

Leslie, I am so very sorry about your loss of Garland. He was a very special person and friend to our family throughout the years. I remember him singing at Lucille's funeral and also his presence when Bruce died. He shouwed his love of God by the way he treated others. He was a true Christian in the way he lived his life. He will truly be missed by those who loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. In this time of sorrow remember all the good times and blessings that you shared. One special thing about Garland was when he told me that he had talked to Bruce about dying and Bruce told him that I was strong and I could manage. He said his mother would have a hard time if he died before her. I know you are strong also and will look to the Lord for comfort. May God bless you and keep you.

Leslie Hines, family one and all. Jaye and I are so grieved to hear Garlando has passed. Altho we are confident he is now reunited with other family and friends and in the presence of our Lord, he will be sorely missed here. We wanted to let you know the profound impact he and the entire Hines family has had upon our lives, hence the lives of our child and now our grandchildren as well. From the spiritual wisdom to the funny quips, stories and true friendship we could always he assured Garland had something to impart on any occasion. We recall the early days of the Christian Center as we, Jaye and I fresh from our cross country move, with little Amber in tow. We were readily and unconditionally welcomed with open arms. We desperately needed that so very much! And we still feel like family to all those we met and fellow shipped with there. One hilarious story Garland related was the final day after VBCC, which met in an old store front building at the oceanfront, closed its doors he and Leslie took a moment to sit on the platform alone in the building reminiscing on the good times and momentous events. As they sat in the empty sanctuary, from the corner of the stage a lone cockroach ran up and paused for a moment right in front of them. It was as if the roach was saying "This place is mine now. So you can leave." Hahaha! A fitting scene to close on. We will miss him greatly and his bigger than life persona. He was a true servant of the Lord in every way. And it has been our pleasure to have know him and you Leslie. We offer our condolences in love and respect. If Jaye or I can be of any service please let us know. From our family to yours and with great affection, ~Jaye and Patty Adkins

Leslie and Family; Leslie, you and Garland mean a lot to us. Time and circumstances have kept us separate for many years, but you both remained close to hearts. Your friendship and shared wisdom are precious. I quote items of wisdom that Garland said to me to others often, and always note that the wisdom was from my friend Garland. Know that you, the whole family and many many friends of Garland, are in our thoughts and prayers. You have many beautiful memories and with God's help and all the folks that are around you, piece will come. We are all thankful to God for sharing Garland with us. He and you touched us all in beautiful ways. I (Dale) plan to visit my girls in the Tidewater area in late August. If you would like, I will find a time to visit. A couple of years ago, I was there and called Garland to see if we could get together. He was excited and busy at the time, planning a birthday celebration for you, his soul mate. I think Scott was on his way as a surprise. It was clearly and important item to him.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.