Robin Ledbetter Hinson, Jr (“Rob”) age 64, died peacefully in the presence of immediate family and friends on Monday, September 17, 2018 at Care Partners Hospice in Asheville, NC. Rob valiantly fought brain cancer with determination, grace, strength and dignity for nearly a year while strengthening his faith and remaining a true friend throughout. Rob was born in Rockingham, NC on January 30, 1954 to Robin Ledbetter Hinson and Frances Garrett Hinson, both of whom preceded him in death.
Rob’s brother, Reid Garrett Hinson also preceded Rob in death in 2016. Rob is survived by his brother, Minor Thurlow Hinson and Minor’s wife Sara Tiffany Hinson as well as their two children Minor Thurlow Hinson III and Sara Frances Carter Hinson, all living in Charlotte. Rob is also survived by his nephews Reid Garrett Hinson and Mills Gray Hinson.
Rob grew up in Rockingham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem and spent significant time as an adult living in in Cambridge, Chapel Hill, Charlotte and in Asheville. Rob attended Warren Wilson College. Starting when he was 6 years old, Rob fell in love with music and longed to be a musician.
At the age of 15 (and many times thereafter), Rob played guitar with Doc Watson and The Watson Family in the mountains of North Carolina. Rob competed successfully at a young age in numerous Bluegrass and Old-time guitar competitions at Fiddlers Grove in Union Grove, NC, making long-lasting friendships with many musicians. During high school Rob wanted to travel the US and make a living playing music.
He also developed proficiencies in other genres of music (jazz, blues, swing, and classical, among others) becoming a master musician and guitar player. Over time, Rob learned and developed skill playing the fiddle, mandolin, banjo and other stringed instruments. Rob devoted many hours to diligent practice of all his instruments but also enjoyed teaching music theory, guitar and other instruments to countless students who wanted to learn.
Over his career, Rob performed with notable musicians including The Marshall Tucker Band, John Hartford, David Holt, Don Pedi, Bruce Greene, Henry the Fiddler, Bela Fleck, Sleath Mitchell, Tim Mace and Sandy Jones, among others. Rob also formed his own bands including Cheap Trills in Cambridge and The Rob Hinson Trio. Rob was highly intelligent and thrived in expressing his opinions and arguing a point vociferously.
Over time, he would consider opposing arguments carefully. Rob had a voracious appetite for learning. While in college he co-wrote and published A Concordance to the French Poetry and Prose of John Gower, translating Latin, Greek and Anglo-Norman French texts.
He had a masterful knowledge of plants, flowers and garden landscaping identifying many plants by their Latin names. Rob was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and riding horses at an early age on the family farm in Rockingham and loving to fish all of his life. He had fond memories of fishing with his father, brothers and friends in many productive excursions to rivers in Richmond County, the mountains of North Carolina, Montana and Alaska, among other scenic places.
Rob also practiced Aikido throughout his life, reaching some of the highest levels of black belt. His practice aided him in the final stages of his life, bringing him comfort and solace. Rob was a cherished son, brother and friend.
The foundation for his way of life was honesty and authenticity. He was incredibly innovative in his approach to music and other facets of life. While Rob knew when and how to ask for help, he also helped others.
He was kind, loving and would always reach out to anyone he thought needed assistance. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to those who cared for Rob prior to and in hospice and to his many friends who checked in on him, took care of and loved him, especially in the past year. According to his wishes, Rob’s family and friends will gather in the near future in Asheville to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his honor to givetothemusic.org in Asheville, NC or a charity of one’s choice.
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