Eric Anthony Hinkle died Friday, November 29th in his mother's Harrisonburg residence at the age of 50 years old. The outdoors was his passion. He loved everything to do with nature. His greatest joy was found when he was outside, whether it be hiking through the forests, gazing at the stars at night, watching the sunrise and sunset each day or simply enjoying long walks into town or around the Arboretum he always wanted to be outside.
Eric was a US Navy veteran where he was introduced to his ultimate career and his passion as a pilot and all things having to do with flying and airplanes. The sky was where he was able to feel free from all the noise of the world.
He was a lover of music and enjoyed playing his guitar and writing and singing his own songs. He was a cat enthusiast and shared a special bond with his feline friends. Animals were his love, and he found joy in being with them. He was an advocate for those without a voice.
He was an extraordinarily good writer and was working on several books at the time of his passing. He had a talent for being able to express himself in the written word that made you feel you were right there experiencing things with him.
Above all, what was most important to him was his family. He was loved and cherished and he always longed to be close to them. His adventurous and sometimes rebellious spirit was what allowed him to continuously fight for the underdog. He tried to hide his kind heart and did not want to be seen as vulnerable. He had a unique insight into the world that was beyond his time and often got him in trouble, but he was not going to let the world tell him who to be. His mesmerizing smile and quick sarcastic wit sometimes left you wondering what just happened and you could not help but to laugh even if you thought you were mad. He will be deeply missed by all those who loved him. Soar High as the sky is now clear for you our dear baby brother. Forever our Iron Eagle.
Eric is preceded in death by his father, Harlan H. Hinkle Jr. He is survived by his mother, Bonnie Gaye Hinkle of Harrisonburg, and four sisters, Virginia Hinkle and husband, Dale of Harrisonburg, Cheryl Hinkle Chiu and husband, John of Austin Tx, Bonnie Brown of Staunton, and Karen Thomas and husband, Richard of Austin Tx as well as three nephews, three nieces and five great nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at East Lawn Memorial Gardens Chapel in Harrisonburg Va. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm followed by a brief prayer graveside.
Family asks in lieu of flowers that donations please be made instead to K9forwarriors.org to support K9 service for veterans with PTSD, or to Samaritan's Purse Hurricane Helene relief fund or to your local pet rescue or Humane Society.
