SERVICES:  Friday, May 23, 2025

Bethel Freewill Baptist Church

2:30 p.m.

INTERMENT:  Bethel Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery

VISITATION:  Thursday, May 22, 2025

Bethel Freewill Baptist Church

5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Services for Rev. Joe "Cow Puncher" Hinton, age 73, of Richton, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, May 23, 2025 at Bethel Freewill Baptist Church.  Rev. Hinton passed from this life on May 19, 2025 at his residence.  Bro. Bobby Ross, Bro. Norman Nowell, and Bro. Ronald Nowell will officiate the service and burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers will be Stan Backstrom, George  "G.W." Beasley, Mike Borja, Jim Hinton, Chris Smith, Kevin Cooley, and Gene Hinton.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Meek, Toby Pearce, Randall Henderson, and Cody White.

Rev. Hinton was a beloved minister, outdoorsman, and friend to many, remembered for his faith, hard work, and quiet strength.  He was a faithful member of Bethel Freewill Baptist Church and was ordained as a Freewill Baptist minister in 1985. For many years, he served his community and congregation with unwavering dedication—preaching the Word, offering comfort, and living out his faith through his actions.  Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Hinton was a man of the outdoors. An avid hunter and proud member of the Dead Creek Hunting Club, he especially loved running dogs—a passion he shared with many friends and family members over the years. His happiest days were often spent in the woods, surrounded by nature and good company.  He also worked diligently throughout his life, holding positions in several respected organizations. He was a valued member of the maintenance department at the University of Southern Mississippi and also served with the Forestry Service for many years. He also worked at Mississippi Tank in Hattiesburg, where he was known for his reliability and strong work ethic.  Rev. Hinton leaves behind a legacy of faith, friendship, and quiet devotion—to God, to his family, and to the simple, honest life he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, E.H. and Annie Hinton; brothers, Arthur Hinton, Billy Jelks, and Billy Godshaw; and sister, Hida Mae Hillman.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Jean Hinton of Richton; son, Stephen (Alisa) White of Laurel, grandchildren, Kenneth (Courtney) White of Richton, Meka (James) White of Laurel, and Cody White of Clara, great grandchildren, Annalise White, Jaylyn Brock, and William Brock, all of Laurel; brothers, Randall (Cleo) Hinton of Richton and Troy Hinton, Sr. of Petal; and sister, Mable (Tony) Whittington of Wiggins.