Terrence W. Hinote Jr., lovingly known as T or Terry, passed away on December 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness, wisdom, and steady presence touched everyone who knew him.
Terrence is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Hinote, whose love he cherished deeply and showed every day through thoughtful gestures, unwavering concern, and enduring devotion—even in times of illness. Their bond was one of true partnership and unconditional love.
He is also survived by his children: his son Terrence Hinote III and his wife Lidia Hinote of Texas; his daughter Kimberly McConnell and her husband James McConnell of Opelika, Alabama, and their children Jamie McConnell and Kayla McConnell; and his daughter Rhanda Hinote of St. Augustine, Florida.
Terrence is survived by his sister, Leisa Story, and her husband Rex Story Sr. of Opelika, Alabama, along with their son Rex Story Jr. and his wife Betsy, and their children Maelee, Sarah, Thomas, and Rex Story III.
He is also survived by his stepchildren: Amy Grabusic of Orlando, Florida, and her daughter Kimberly Grabusic; Dawn Rodriguez and her daughters Alyssa Karagosian-Sandage and her daughter Renlee Bass, Clarissa Rodriguez, and Marissa Rodriguez and her son Aspenn Rodriguez, all of Orlando, Florida; and Karen Whitten and her husband Jonathan Whitten and their son Liam Whitten of Orange Park, Florida.
Terrence proudly played basketball at Auburn University, where he competed in the SEC Championships in 1960—an accomplishment he carried with pride throughout his life. His championship ring was worn as a badge of honor, and if Auburn was playing—no matter the sport—Terry was watching and cheering them on.
He found joy in the simple things: hunting, fishing, reading, watching the birds (and making sure they were always fed), and never forgetting the squirrels, who received plenty of love as well. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family—listening to their stories, celebrating their accomplishments, and watching them grow and learn at every stage of life.
If you were having a bad day, you could always count on Terry. He offered a comforting hand, a listening ear, and words of wisdom spoken with sincerity and care. He was immensely proud of his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and loved quietly sitting back and taking it all in.
Terrence will be missed in ways that words cannot fully express. His legacy lives on through his family, who will continue cheering for Auburn and carrying forward the love, kindness, and loyalty he showed so freely.
