Jay Hinkie was born July 11, 1956, in Texas to Betty and J.B. Hinkie. Jay worked at South Hampton Refinery for 43 years and was a firefighter for the Silsbee Volunteer Fire Department for 26 years.

Jay is survived by his wife, Rhonda, and their three adult children, Brad Hinkie, and fiancée, Cherish; Todd Hinkie, and wife, Erecka; Hillary Mike, and husband, Jason; grandchildren, Carmin and Daelan Hinkie, and another grandchild on the way. Jay is also survived by his mother, Betty; siblings, Marsha Dubois, and husband, Steve; twin sister, Kay Wright, and husband, Bill; Dwayne Hinkie, and wife, Arlene; Patrick Hinkie; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father.

Jay Hinkie was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, leader, and a well-respected pillar of his community. For several years, he taught survival skills to youngsters at his local church, and later he taught fire safety at many of the local schools in Silsbee. He would always lead by example to be fair, honest, and always caring for others. He wanted us to learn from our mistakes and be better people because of them. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he always loved to take his family and friends on little adventures. Jay loved to tell jokes, make people laugh, and would always be the guy that would go out of his way to help others from all walks of life.

Jay is deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.

My Hero

You held my hand
When I was small
You caught me when I fell
You’re the hero of my childhood
And my later years as well

And every time I think of you
My heart still fills with pride
Though I’ll always miss you Dad
I know you’re by my side

In laughter and in Sorrow
In sunshine and through rain
I know you’re watching over me
Until we meet again

-author unknown