John Robert Hines, 80, of Holliston, formerly Wellesley, passed away on June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 3, 1945, to Harold “Bud” Hines and Patricia Hines, John lived a life defined by hard work, fierce loyalty, and an unshakeable devotion to the people he loved. John is survived by his three devoted daughters: Kimberly J. McCormack and her husband Sean, of Bristol, RI; Lisa H. Wilkins and her husband Christopher, of Ashland, MA; and Patricia H. MacLeod and her husband Rory, of Holliston, MA. He is also survived by his seven beloved grandchildren: Mariana McCormack, Nicole Thomas and her husband Zach, Conor McCormack, Carly Wilkins, John Wilkins, Kiley MacLeod, and Molly MacLeod; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Vivian Thomas. Also survived by his cherished brother, Richard Hines and his wife Darlene, of Gilford, NH and many adored nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Joan Fitzpatrick Hines; his son, John Hines Jr.; and his parents, Harold “Bud” Hines and Patricia Hines.

From a young age, John distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete, most notably on the ice. His talent in hockey earned him a scholarship offer from Boston University, a testament to the skill and dedication he brought to everything he pursued. But John had a different dream. He turned down that scholarship, bought a truck, and founded the J.R. Hines Trucking Company. It was a bold, courageous decision that spoke to the heart of who he was: a man who carved his own path.

For over 40 years, John operated his Natick, then Holliston-based trucking business with the same grit and passion he brought to the rink. He loved trucks, truly loved them, and that love translated into a lasting legacy built on an honest day’s work. To those who knew him, the J.R. Hines Trucking Company was not just a business; it was an expression of the man himself: dependable, hardworking, and always there when you needed him.

Though his playing days eventually gave way to cheering from the stands, John’s love for the game never faded. He was a die-hard Boston Bruins fan and a devoted supporter of all Boston’s sports teams. Whether it was a youth soccer game or a Bruins playoff run, you could count on John to be there, vocal, loyal, and fully invested. He was a fixture on the sidelines of his children’s and grandchildren’s games and events, his presence a constant source of encouragement and pride. Family was truly at the center of John’s life. To his seven grandchildren, he was simply “Poppy” and being Poppy was one of his greatest joys. He delighted in watching them grow, cheering them on, and showing up.

John had a gift for storytelling that was entirely his own. He could hold a room with a tale, whether it was a memory from his hockey days, a moment from the road, or a proud story about one of his kids or grandkids. And if you’d heard the story before? That was beside the point. John told it just as well the second time, and the third, with the same gleam in his eye and the same satisfaction at the punchline. Those who loved him knew that the stories weren’t really about the details, they were about connection, about keeping the people and moments he loved close. Every repeated story was, in its own way, a gift.

John lived a life well spent. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, unwavering devotion, and a love for his family that will endure in all of them. He will be sorely missed, but we find comfort knowing he has gone home to be welcomed by the true love of his life, his wife Joan, who has been waiting for him for 18 years, his son John Jr., his parents Bud and Patricia, and the countless others who preceded him and have been waiting to embrace him once more. Rest in peace, John, Dad and Poppy. We love you. Until we meet again.

A visitation will be held at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home,  4 Park Street, Natick, Thursday, June 18th from 11:00am-12:30pm, followed by a Funeral Service at 12:30pm. Interment Glenwood Cemetery, South Natick followed by a reception for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Donate | Michael J. Fox Foundation.

For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com