by Peggy Chandler
Our Royal Pines neighbors, John and Kay Hines, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their children, Amy, David and Carrie along with their spouses Tim and Jeannie and grandchildren, Thomas, Shane, Jordon, Madison and Jack were on hand for a weekend of festivities.
John and Kay met subsequent to John’s inquiry of Kay’s sister, “are there any more at home like you?” There was! And a plan was made for them to meet at a community pool. They began dating as Kay could not resist a “man in uniform.” John was a drum major at Marshall University. After a long courtship, they were married in the small town of Kenova, West Virginia, on May 26, 1961. They settled in Huntington, W.V., where they raised their family. After their marriage, John completed his education at Marshall University where he achieved his BA in Journalism and Advertising along with MA in speech.
Fifteen years ago, in search of a warmer climate, John and Kay decided to move south after visiting Kay’s sister, who lives in Beaufort County. They decided to settle in Royal Pines and moved into their home on Moultrie Drive to begin their life of retirement.
The couple stays active as John plays golf twice a week, Kay bowls weekly and is currently learning to play bocce ball so she can compete in the bocce tournament at this year’s Beaufort Water Festival. John was active in the Royal Pines Homeowners Association and a board member for nine years. John and Kay both enjoy the Beaufort Waterfront swinging in the swings, people watching, in addition to the activities surrounding the Naval Air Station.
In 1995 John and some friends competed in a fishing tournament and he still holds the Virginia state record for the largest (99 lbs) tuna caught. John and Kay additionally give back to their community as volunteers at Health of Beaufort Mobile Meals, where they make deliveries to needy residents.
I asked John and Kay for the secret of their marriage. John claimed to always say “please,” “thank you” and “yes, ma’am.” Kay told me “a day doesn’t go by that we don’t tell each other I love you.” Kay asked, “Right John?” And John replied, “yes ma’am,” and it seems to be working beautifully for them.
