Nelson Gene Hinson, 84, of Newport News  passed away unexpectedly on September 30, 2024 and immediately walked into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Nelson was born on July 14, 1940 to Willie and Smitha Hinson in Sampson County, North Carolina.

He grew up working on his family farm where he learned early in life the value of hard work.  He graduated from Hobbton High School and went to work upon graduation doing various jobs.  In 1959, he came to Newport News to find a new opportunity and landed his first construction job as a water truck driver for E. W. Muller Contracting and was eventually promoted to Concrete Superintendent.  In 1974, he, his brother, Ennis and William Fisher began Denbigh Construction Company, Inc.  Mr. Fisher left a short time later and the two brothers built a business that today, 50 years later is one of the most respected and innovative concrete companies in Southeast Virginia.   He loved his work and also the employees that came along side of him to help the company achieve excellence in all projects large or small.   Although he no longer was involved in the day-to-day operations; he was still sought for guidance because of the vast knowledge he had acquired over the years.

His faith and love of God were the foundation for his life and he lived a life that exemplified it every day.   He was a current member of Menchville Baptist Church and had previously served as trustee and life time deacon as a member of First Baptist, Newport News.   Prior to that he was a member at Warwick Baptist Church, where he was involved with the development of the Peninsula Baptist's Eastover Retreat Center in Surry, VA.

Outside of work and church, he enjoyed spending his time with family especially when the grandchildren and great grandchildren came along.  He loved all kinds of music and would always dance at every opportunity.    Other hobbies included fishing, NASCAR racing, and gardening.   Later in life his biggest joy was supporting the CNU women's basketball team where many special relationships were formed with coaches, staff, players, and their families.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janice; son, Ricky Hinson and wife Nancy; daughter Andrea Beck and husband Joey; daughter Nicki Hinson; two sisters Eleanor Stewart and Doris Horrell; nine grandchildren, Hope (Abe), Amber (Doug), Rebecca, Jayce (Kelly), Caleb,  Alexis, Brady, Cody and Dusty; and six great grandchildren, Chloe, Cassie, Trip, Berlyn, Maddie and Oakley along with four sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; a host of extended family members and special friends who became family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Willie Jr. and Ennis.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 6th, 2024 at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home from 3 to 5 pm.  A Celebration of his life will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:30 am at First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News.  Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to CareNet Peninsula, 11101 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA or Samaritan's Purse Hurricane Helene Relief at https://www.samaritanspurse.org.

Please leave online condolences at www.wjsmithandson.com.