JAMES HINKLE JR.

James Hinkle Jr., age 89, beloved husband of the late Nira Roberts Hinkle, died on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at his residence.

He was born on Feb. 23, 1931, in Mingo County, West Virginia, to the late James and Nora Taylor Hinkle. A retired U.S. Air Force veteran, he served in Vietnam and was a member of the Midlands Retired Military Association (MRMA). He loved to fish and was a lifelong teacher, always passing on his knowledge of how things work. He was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). James was involved with his children serving with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and finally as an Explorer Post Advisor. He was a member of Hillcrest 397 AFM Masonic Lodge and recognized as a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason. He was most proud of his affiliation with the Jamil Shrine Center and the Gamecock Shrine Club of Sumter. He kept the Honor Guard going for many years and worked tirelessly on many of the club's projects in support of Shriners Hospitals for Children.

He is survived by his four sons, James Preston Hinkle and his wife, Elaine, Frank Edward Hinkle, Michael Elmer Hinkle and Donald Odell Hinkle; siblings, Connie and Dwight; and several grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, James and Nora Hinkle, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nira Geraldine Roberts Hinkle; daughter, Nora Mae Hinkle; and several brothers and sisters.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Bullock Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book online.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.