RAYMOND, Miss. — The flags across Raymond and the Hinds Community College campus are flying a little lower today, and the silence in the local fire station is a little heavier. The communities of Raymond and Hinds County are reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Jack Hite, a man whose name became synonymous with service, safety, and unwavering faith.

Hite, a dedicated public servant who wore many hats—Fire Captain, collegiate counselor, police officer, preacher, and mentor—passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 8, 2026. His death marks the end of an era for the institutions he served and the countless individuals whose lives he touched over a career spanning nearly half a century.

News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from every corner of the county. From the students he guided at Hinds Community College to the families he protected with the Raymond Fire Department, Jack Hite is being remembered not just for the titles he held, but for the depth of character he brought to every role.

Breaking: A Community in Mourning

The announcement came early Sunday, confirming that Jack Hite had died unexpectedly. While specific details regarding the medical cause of death have been kept private by the family, the shock of the loss was immediate. Hite was described by colleagues as a “steady presence,” a man who was always there, always working, and always ready to help. To lose such a constant figure so abruptly has left a void that community leaders say will be impossible to fill.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Jack Hite,” read the official statement released by community representatives. “Jack was more than a name known around Raymond and Hinds County—he was a pillar of the community.”

The Firefighter: 32 Years on the Line

For 32 years, Jack Hite was a fixture at the Raymond Fire Department. In the world of emergency services, longevity is rare; the physical and emotional toll often leads to early retirement. But Jack Hite was built differently. He served with a tenacity and dedication that inspired generations of younger firefighters.

During his three decades with the department, Hite rose through the ranks, earning the respect of his peers through action rather than words. He served as Secretary, Treasurer, and eventually Captain, roles that required a blend of administrative skill and tactical leadership.

• A Calm in the Chaos: Fire scenes are chaotic, loud, and dangerous. Colleagues recall Hite as the “calm spirit” in the midst of the storm. Whether directing a hose line at a structure fire or managing a complex vehicle extrication on a county road, Captain Hite’s presence brought a sense of order.

• The Mentor: Beyond his operational duties, Hite was a mentor. He was the veteran who took rookies under his wing, teaching them not just how to fight fires, but how to serve people. He understood that a fire department’s job wasn’t just about saving property; it was about caring for neighbors on the worst days of their lives.

“He wasn’t just a firefighter—he was a mentor, a problem-solver, and someone others could always count on,” a fellow firefighter shared. “When the tone dropped and we rolled out, knowing Jack was on the truck made everyone feel safer.”

The Educator: 45 Years at Hinds

While his service at the fire station was legendary, his impact at Hinds Community College was perhaps even more profound. At the time of his passing, Jack Hite held the distinction of being the longest-serving current employee of the college, with an incredible 45 years of service.

Arriving on campus nearly half a century ago, Hite became part of the fabric of the institution. He saw the college grow, evolve, and change, but his commitment to the students remained constant.

• The Counselor: As a counselor, Hite was on the front lines of student success. He guided thousands of young people through the often-confusing transition to college life. He was known for his open-door policy and his ability to listen without judgment. For many students away from home for the first time, Jack Hite was a surrogate father figure—a voice of wisdom when they were homesick, stressed, or unsure of their path.

• Institutional Memory: With 45 years of experience, Hite was a repository of institutional knowledge. He knew the history of the college not because he read it in a book, but because he lived it. Colleagues often turned to him for context, advice, and perspective.

• The “Hinds Hero”: His dedication did not go unnoticed. He was widely regarded as a “Hinds Hero,” a title given to those who exemplify the spirit of the college.

“If you were familiar with Raymond or Hinds, chances are you knew Jack,” the obituary noted. “And more than likely, he helped you at some point, often without expecting recognition or praise.”

A Man of Many Callings

What made Jack Hite truly unique was the breadth of his service. Most people are fortunate to find one calling in life; Jack found several, and he excelled in all of them.

• The Policeman: In addition to fighting fires, Hite served as a police officer. This dual role in public safety speaks to his deep-seated desire to protect his community. He was the person you called when you were in trouble, regardless of the nature of the emergency.

• The Preacher: Perhaps the role that fueled all others was that of the preacher. Jack Hite was a man of deep faith, and he shared that faith from the pulpit. His sermons were not just theological exercises; they were practical encouragements born from a life lived in the trenches of human experience. He spoke of grace because he saw the need for it every day. He spoke of hope because he often met people in hopeless situations.

Faith in Action

The foundation of Jack Hite’s life was his Christian faith. “His faith was not just something he spoke about—it was something he lived daily,” loved ones said. In a profession where cynicism can easily take root, Hite remained compassionate. He treated the victims of fires, the suspects in police investigations, and the struggling students in his office with the same level of dignity. He viewed his work not as a job, but as a ministry.

• The Servant’s Heart: Hite embodied the biblical principle of servant leadership. He didn’t seek the spotlight. As Treasurer of the fire department, he handled the thankless administrative tasks that kept the lights on. As a counselor, he dealt with private struggles that would never make the headlines. He served because he believed it was what he was called to do.

A Legacy of Love

Beyond his public roles, Jack Hite was a devoted husband and father. While the community mourns a leader, his family mourns the man who sat at the dinner table, who laughed at family gatherings, and who provided a steady hand of support at home. The sacrifices made by the families of first responders are often overlooked. For 32 years, Jack’s family shared him with the community. They waited while he responded to late-night alarms; they adjusted holiday plans around his shifts. Today, the community embraces them, acknowledging that Jack’s service was made possible by their love and support.

“Well Done”

As Raymond prepares to lay Jack Hite to rest, the sentiment across the county is one of gratitude. It is rare to find a person who gives so much of themselves to a single place. Jack Hite gave everything he had to Raymond and Hinds County. He protected their homes, educated their children, enforced their laws, and ministered to their souls. “While our hearts ache at his loss, we take comfort in knowing that Jack’s journey here has ended only to begin anew,” the family stated. “We are confident that he has heard the words he lived by: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”

Final Farewell

Funeral arrangements for Jack Hite are expected to be announced in the coming days. Given his extensive connections to the fire department, the college, and the church, services are anticipated to be attended by hundreds, if not thousands, of mourners.

• Honors: It is expected that he will receive full honors from the Raymond Fire Department, a final tribute to a Captain who served with distinction.

• Community Impact: In the days ahead, stories will be told in coffee shops, classrooms, and fire stations across the county. Stories of the time Jack stayed late to help a student register for classes. Stories of the time he comforted a family who lost everything in a fire. Stories of his quiet generosity.

Jack Hite’s work on earth is done, but the foundation he built remains. The students he advised will go on to successful careers. The firefighters he trained will save lives for decades to come. The sermons he preached will continue to echo in the hearts of his congregation. He was a good man, a faithful servant, and a true friend to Raymond.

Rest in Peace, Captain Hite.

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Summary of Service:

• Raymond Fire Department: 32 Years (Captain, Treasurer, Secretary).

• Hinds Community College: 45 Years (Longest-serving current employee, Counselor).

• Other Roles: Police Officer, Preacher.

• Date of Passing: February 8, 2026.