CLEVELAND, September 27 — It is with deepest regret that the BLET National Division reports the passing of J. Warren Hinely, Vice General Chairman of the CSX–Eastern Lines General Committee of Adjustment.
Brother Hinely, 65, died in Savannah, Ga., on September 25 following a lengthy illnes. Brother Hinely was a member of BLET Division 49 (Miami, Fla.) and had held continuous membership in the Brotherhood since August 1, 1978.
As a young man Brother Hinely enlisted in the U.S. Navy and enrolled in Pilot School, then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After serving in the military, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English.
He hired out on the railroad in 1973 and joined the BLET in 1978. In 1981, he was elected Local Chairman of Division 49 in Miami. In 1992, he was elected Vice General Chairman of the CSX-Eastern Lines General Committee of Adjustment, a position he held continuously until his untimely passing. He was most recently reelected by acclamation in April of 2012.
“Brother Hinely was a pillar of strength for many years and was a selfless and dedicated union officer,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said “He will be truly missed by the officers and members of the CSX–Eastern Lines General Committee of Adjustment. On behalf of the entire Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, I extend our deepest sympathies to the Hinely family.”
He is survived by his wife Cassie Michele Wright Hinely of Miami Springs, Fla., and numerous cousins.
A visitation will be held today, September 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home (phone: 912-754-6421), Effingham Chapel, in Rincon, Ga. Funeral services will be on September 28 at 3 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church.
Remembrances may be given to the American Cancer Society, 1930 Springfield-Egypt Road., Springfield, GA 31329.