Xavier Nathaniel Hines

On Wednesday, May 9, 2001, God graced Dr. Keith and Tramise Hines with a 9lb, 12oz, 22 ½ inch baby boy. His name was kept from his mother until birth. After the doctors were able to procure this large baby with broad shoulders from the womb, his name was revealed to the world. XAVIER NATHANIEL HINES. He entered the world eager to fill his belly with his momma’s milk. He was a baby that demanded attention from the beginning. We honor his spirit as a son, as a brother, as a friend, and as an ambassador for Christ. Xavier, affectionally known as “Za” by his family, was always a leader. He was eager to learn how to read; he was excited about science (following his father’s footsteps as a scientist); and let’s not forget, he was a money maker (always an entrepreneur). Xavier had an appetite . . . A VERY LARGE APPETITE, and still he maintained a sleek physique. He counted all his meals – HE LOVED TO EAT! Yet, he willingly fasted during the past year to solicit divine guidance and support for a loved one with a health challenge. This example of love in action was typical of Xavier. He cared enough to pray. He loved enough to act. As a son, he made his parents proud. He loved family and being a brother and uncle. He willingly “hung out” with his baby brother, Malik. What started out as “forced brother time” evolved into a friendship that can only be described as “brothers.” The tight bond shared with his older sister, Gabby, transcended all . . . She was his “gray card” and confidant. He could share anything with her without judgement; she was his safe place. And, he loved being “Uncle X.” As a student, he had a spirit of excellence and maintained high scholastic standards. Even in middle school, he sought to embrace learning and was a member of the inaugural class for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program at Shanahan Middle School. Xavier was so eager to enter this program; he even emailed the school principal to inquire and follow up on his application for acceptance. He worked hard in school, maintaining his status on the Honor Roll at Olentangy High School. Xavier was an inductee into the National Society of High School Scholars and remained on the Dean’s List at the University of Cincinnati. Xavier was so excited to attend college. Without the assistance of his parents, he completed all of his applications and finally engaged them in the process when he shared the bill for each application (That’s “X” - forever making money). He received his collegiate robe, and was officially presented with the University of Cincinnati Alumni pin, posthumously by the Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Cincinnati on January 28, 2020. As a friend, he was devoted. Xavier almost “got a whooping” (southern moms way of speaking), when he ran out of class and left school to go search for a friend who he thought was in crisis. This is a reflection of the type of friend he was . . . loving and loyal. Xavier was always open to a good time; always asking permission to have “a little get together,” which would often end with too many kids in a small, confined space in our basement. But, no worries, the cameras were often busy, and no one expected that sense of humor! He was lovable and laughable. Xavier was an accomplished artist from his earliest days, winning several awards and honors in elementary and middle school. He was also an accomplished “Movie Director and Producer,” radiating his energy and positive outlook; capturing those memories with friends and family. He enjoyed the side affects in his movies. His art and zest for life will always be present. Xavier was very service-oriented. He was an invested member of the Service Club at Olentangy High School (2016-2019). Whether it was yard clean-up for senior citizens or volunteering with the Alpha Phi Alpha Esquire Teens, he learned and lived as his brother’s keeper. Xavier served as a Junior Deacon and a Junior Usher during his tenure at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Xavier was christened in Atlanta, Georgia, at Bethlehem Church of God Holiness under the leadership of Bishop James Taylor, Sr. The birth church of his mother and the place where his parents married. His godparents are Elder and Mrs. Jessie Reid and Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Latisha Wilder. Early in his life, he was introduced to prayer by his parents. He comes from a rich heritage of strong men and women of faith. Xavier’s Christian journey began at First Church of God. His parents joined the church while he was still in the womb. At some of the funniest moments, he would acknowledge, “I NEED PASTOR CLARKE,” when there were some things, he was just not able to “DOO” on his own! He knew who to call on for prayer. On Wednesdays, he would attend noon day service at First Church, Wilson Avenue location, with his mom, and participated in daily devotionals at home before school, as well as weekly family devotionals. When he was ready for them to end (he thought devotion lasted too long), he would offer to sing, “This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made.” He committed his life to Christ as a child and was baptized by his then pastor, Rev. Dr. Harold Hudson, at Calvary Tremont Missionary Baptist Church. Xavier made parenting pleasurable. He was independent, funny, quick-witted, a hot-wing chicken bandit, well educated, proud black man. He was an avid current event news man, smooth dancer, faith standing kind of a guy. He started working at Tommy Hilfiger when he was sixteen years old. He enjoyed shopping and found retail therapy enjoyable, often ensuring his belts were on “fleek.” Xavier, your mother will NEVER in her life stop loving you. Your father will forever cherish the man God allowed him to see you become, while holding you close to his heart. Your sister now knows the truth: YOU are the real BIG LITTLE BROTHER. Malik will ALWAYS love his BIG BRO! Your nephews, Armani’ and Amir, will forever and a day hear all the stories about their Uncle “X”. XAVIER WAS LOVED GREATLY! His family in Georgia and Chicago are rippled with pain beyond measure. His friends are in disbelief. His Olentangy family mourns the loss of one of their own and his Bearcat family is living with the present loss of a fine student. Xavier transitioned from this world on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Left to honor his life and legacy are his loving parents, Keith and Tramise Hines; sister, Gabrielle (Larry) Stribling; brother, Alexander Malik Hines; nephews, Armani and Amir; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, a host of other relatives, and friends.