Apostle Billy Wade Hines Obituary (1947 - 2023)

Apostle Dr. Billy Wade Hines was born August 17, 1947, in Waco, Texas, to Willie and Odessa Hines. Apostle B.W. Hines attended Hines Elementary School in Waco, Texas until the age of nine when his family relocated to Austin, Texas. He then continued his education as a student of the Austin Independent School District. Apostle B.W. Hines decided to serve in the United States military by joining the Marine Corps Infantry Division for four years. After serving in the Marine Corps, Apostle Hines returned to Austin, Texas, from Oceanside, California. In 1974, he had an encounter with Jesus Christ and vowed to serve Him for the rest of his life. Apostle Hines remained faithful to his vow and entered ministry in 1979 by leading various Bible study groups and attending the School of the Prophets at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. During this time, he met the love of his life. On May 2, 1982, he decided to make Deborah Ann Forward his wife. Together, they raised two daughters, Neitra White and Deitra Williams. In 1985, Apostle Hines embraced his calling as a pastor and answered the call alongside his wife, Pastor Deborah Hines. Following the leading of God, he became the founder of Horizon Worship Center of Austin, Texas (formerly known as Bethel Christian Fellowship). As Apostle Hines continued throughout his ministry journey, God gave him a vision. His vision included international ministry. He had the privilege of preaching in many nations and traveling to multiple countries in Africa, which included Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Apostle Hines returned to school in 2018, at the age of 70, enrolling in Life Christian University, where he completed his Bachelor of Theology (magna cum laude), Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership (summa cum laude), and Doctor of Theology with a concentration of Pastoral Leadership (summa cum laude). Part of his vision included launching a theology university to provide affordable higher education for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. In 2019, Hines School of Theology was born. Apostle Hines was able to confer degrees upon his first graduating class in July of 2021. Due to Apostle Hines' faithfulness to ministry, December 2, 2020, was declared Billy Wade Hines Day, in the city of Austin, by Mayor Steve Adler. Apostle Hines enjoyed riding around the city with his wife, teaching and counseling, spoiling his grandchildren, and requesting his favorite meals from the great cooks of Horizon Worship Center. On July 24, 2023, the LORD said to Apostle Hines, "Arise and shine; for thy light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has risen upon thee." Apostle Hines was preceded in death by his parents: Willie and Odessa Hines; daughter: Deitra Williams; three sisters: Willie Jean Hines Martin, Dotsie Hines Lee, and Maggie Pearl Hines Watson; two brothers: his twin, Jimmy Hines and Gregory Jones. He leaves to treasure his life and memories: his wife: Pastor Deborah Ann Hines; daughter: Neitra White; five grandchildren: Raegan Smith, Joshua Ford, Jordan Williams, Psalms and Dexter Miller; two great-grandchildren: Masai and Dex II; brother: Jerald Hines (Hannah); the lead pastors of H.W.C.: Pastors Larry (Special Son) and Zonerphia Williams ("Daughter #3"), many spiritual sons and daughters, the entire Horizon Worship Center family, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.