Harold Dean Hinson

Commissioner Harold Hinson was “promoted to glory” on August 21, 2022, at 6:39 Sunday evening from Melech Hospice House in Tampa, Florida.  He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Harold was born in Arkansas, but he grew up in High Point, North Carolina, the son of J.K. and Priscilla Hinson - long time soldiers of the High Point Corps.  He entered the College for Officer Training and was commissioned with the Soul Winner’s Session in 1955.  He married session mate Betty Morris in 1957, and they began their ministry as Corps Officers in Staunton, Virginia.

They also served in the Bluefield, West Virginia Corps before Divisional Headquarters appointments in Washington, D.C., Oklahoma, and Birmingham, AL.  As Territorial Public Relations and Development Secretary, he served as The Salvation Army’s National Relief Coordinator for the devastating Guatemala earthquake in 1976.  

He served as the Divisional Commander in Georgia and Florida as well as Territorial Program Secretary and Chief Secretary for the USA Southern Territory.  In 1994, he was appointed as Territorial Commander of the USA Central Territory until retirement in 2000.  

Harold served on two High Councils (that elect the General) and prior to retirement was the Senior Commissioner in The Salvation Army world.  He was a respected and innovative leader who stood by his convictions. Everyone knew where Harold stood on an issue and that they would be treated honestly and fairly.  Betty’s and his ministry included a heart for people, visiting and calling people when they were hurting that extended throughout retirement.  They were the ‘chaplains’ of Winding Creek Drive where they lived for over 20 years in retirement.  “Dad loved people, and people of all ages knew it.”

The Hinsons have two children, Lt. Colonel Dean Hinson (Divisional Leader of Arkansas and Oklahoma Division) married to Lt. Col. Pam and Mr. Doug Hinson (retired partner with Alston & Bird) married to Michelle.  They have five grandchildren:  Joshua, Jesse, Jeremiah, Jake, and Emmalee; as well as nine beautiful great grandchildren.