HINSON, Jeffrey Nolan (Capt.)

Born on the family farm, in Moss Tennessee on October 15th, 1946, Jeff left his earthly body on February 23rd, 2016 due to complications of pneumonia. He was the eldest child and first son of Mary Addie Burnette and Nolan Royce Hinson. Jeff graduated from Moss Grammar School, Celina High school and received a B.Sc. in Agronomy from Tennessee Technological University in 1970.

Jeff had three great loves; Flying, Farming and Family. Having been enamored with flying since early childhood, he entered the United States Navy and completed flight school in Pensacola Florida. He continued to serve as a Naval Aviator Officer for two more years flying anti-submarine aircraft off carriers. Later Jeff completed jet training and moved on to bigger aircraft flying the Boeing 747 (which he flew for the last 23 years of his career). This move opened Jeff's door to the world and as nearly as he could count, he visited and enjoyed the cultures of some 95 countries circling the globe more times than he could remember! He piloted the B747 for Saudi Arabian Airlines and then accepted an opportunity with Cargloux in Luxembourg, a B747 worldwide freight operator hauling the most mundane (see Top gun quote!) to the most exotic of cargo, including million dollar race horses, formula one cars and even Keiko the whale (Free Willy).

Throughout these years Jeff never forgot the land of his birth and retained a close bond to the family farm. When he flew the route into Huntsville, Alabama he would always drive North to visit the farm. Crew and friends were always invited along and many made the trip. As a result, the farm became legendary among the SAL and Cargolux aviation family, often providing the gist of conversations worldwide!

It was in Luxembourg too that almost 30 years ago Jeff met his wife Audrey. Throughout these years they lived a charmed life - their love, devotion and adoration of each other was apparent to all who knew them. In addition, Jeff's love knew no bounds for his son Eric, daughter Cindy, grand daughters, Bailey and Samantha, his siblings and their extended families.

We marvel at Jeff for his many talents and interests. On days off and in retirement he enjoyed 'mechanicing' his antique cars, tending to the farm where he planted 15,000 trees and caring for his Black Angus 'girls'. On clear nights he would set up his own telescope to study the stars and planets. He was an avid reader throughout his life enjoying mostly the historical and scientific genres. He indulged his great interest in classical music as a frequent attendee at the Nashville Symphony and built an underground stone vaulted wine cellar to house 5000 bottles of wine at the Luxembourg home. It was always his great pleasure to entertain friends and neighbors at his very own 'Cockpit Bar' in Nashville.

Jeff will be remembered for his sense of chivalry, generosity of heart, loyalty in friendship, tremendous work ethic, and love of laughter and life.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Hinson-Bryson, son Eric Hinson (Carrie Glasscock) daughter, Cynthia Hinson Hyneman (Kevin Hyneman), grand daughters, Bailey and Samantha, Memphis TN, his brothers Roger Alan Hinson (Janice), Baton Rouge LA, David Berl Hinson (Karen) of Lebanon, TN; his sisters Sarah Kay Lancaster (Jim), Murfressboro, TN Suzanne Hinson Goolsby (Mike) of Mt. Juliet TN, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

The Celebration of Life for Mr. Jeff Hinson will be held in the Chapel of the Hall Funeral Home, LLC of Celina, TN on Sunday, March 20th at 1:30 PM. The visitation will begin at 12:00 PM Noon until the service time at 1:30 PM.

The Hall Funeral Home, LLC of Celina is in charge of the local arrangements.