Al Joseph Hinson Sr.

“I am not okay, but it’s gonna be alright.”  Jelly Roll
Al Joseph Hinson, Sr., affectionately known as “Al Joe,” was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, educator, coach, fraternity brother, and community leader. Born on December 1, 1945, to Ms. Irene Hinson in Avon Park, Florida, he was her only child. From an early age, he developed a deep love for his hometown, a bond that remained strong throughout his life.
He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Allen University, where he was also a stellar athlete. His accomplishments on the field and his contributions as an alumnus were later recognized when he was inducted into the Allen University Hall of Fame—an honor he cherished deeply. He continued his studies at Florida A&M University and went on to receive a master's degree in mathematics from The Ohio State University.
For more than three decades, he served as a teacher, Head Baseball Coach, Assistant Football Coach, Athletic Business Manager, and Athletic Director in the Dade County School System, followed by six years in the Highlands County school system. He coached countless athletes in both football and baseball, many of whom went on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. Among his proudest achievements were two state championships as an Assistant Football Coach at Miami Carol City High School.
A proud and devoted member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Al Joe embodied the values of brotherhood, scholarship, and service throughout his life.
His dedication to public service extended into his community, where he served as an Avon Park City Council Member and gave his time generously as a board member of Avon Park Noon Rotary, NU-HOPE, and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) Board of Directors. He also served as President of the Highlands County NAACP, where he was a strong and steady voice for justice and progress. In recognition of his lifetime of service, he was honored with the Highlands County NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
Al Joe’s love for Avon Park was evident in every endeavor. Whether through his public service, his candidacy for Mayor, or his everyday actions, he championed the belief that Avon Park is a great place to raise children and build community. He worked tirelessly to advocate for strong schools, fair housing policies, and opportunities for jobs and businesses that would benefit every citizen.
Known for his warm spirit and generous heart, “Al made friends wherever he went; he never met a stranger.” He loved taking his boat out fishing, creating cherished memories with his infamous dancing birthday videos, and bringing his sons together each year for the Florida A&M University Classic football game in Orlando.
A man of quiet strength and steady purpose, Al Joe carried himself with humility but made a lasting impact everywhere he went. Whether in the classroom, on the field, in city hall, or in the pews of his church, he lived out his calling to serve others. He will be remembered as a man who listened, who cared, and who lived not to be served, but to serve. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched—with his family, his students, and his community standing as a testament to a life of love and service.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Dorothy Hinson, and his sister, Kathy Murphy of West Palm Beach, FL. He is also survived by his daughters, Olympia Hinson-McKay of Avon Park, FL, Catina Cooper (Myron) of Cary, NC, Kamelya Hinson of Atlanta, GA, and Tiffany King Hoyle (Anthony) of Union Springs, AL; his sons, Randy Hinson of Avon Park, FL, Al Hinson Jr. (Antoinette) of Miami, FL, Henry Ivan Hinson of New Orleans, LA, Eugene Taylor Jr. (Yvonne) of Avon Park, FL, Cedric King (Latashia) of Midway, AL, and special son Sherman L. Hinson (Dawn) of Sebring, FL. He was the proud grandfather of 27 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 8 great-grandchildren, and he also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
He will be remembered as a man who listened, who cared, and who lived not to be served, but to serve.

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