Kenneth Earl Hinson

Kenneth Earl Hinson Sr. of Summerville, SC, husband of Laverne (Karen) Lindbergh Hinson entered eternal rest the morning of March 11, 2022, at the age of 84. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, three sons Kenneth E. Hinson Jr. (Kay), Daniel K. Hinson and Christopher J. Hinson (Kim); grandchildren Sabrina (Kyle), CJ, Mackenzleigh, Dawson and Nic Hinson; and so very many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl Hinson and Blanche Rentz Rutland and by his granddaughter Callie.

Kenneth attended Varnville High School and then Wade Hampton High School in Hampton, SC where he was the Student Body President of that school’s first graduating class. He subsequently earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University and an MBA from the University of Georgia. After graduating from Clemson in 1959, Mr. Hinson served in the U.S. Army retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years and two combat tours in Vietnam during which time he was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with combat “V” and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and the General Staff Badge following his last tour of duty at the Pentagon.

Following his retirement from the Army, Mr. Hinson taught mathematics at Summerville Intermediate High School and Gregg Campus for 11 years and in 1992 was nominated to “Who’s Who among America’s Teachers.” During this time, he also was active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning along the way the “Order of the Arrow” and the Charleston District Award of Merit.

Kenneth served his Lord in various capacities including Lay Leader, Adult Sunday School teacher, United Methodist Men, and adult choir during over 20 years at Midland Park United Methodist Church in North Charleston before transferring to Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville where he remained active in church related activities. His hobbies included hunting and fishing and sharing in the lives of his grandchildren. During his last years, he discovered and became an avid duplicate bridge player, competing at least twice a week at the Charleston Bridge Club and attaining (with the aid of many partners) the grade of bronze life master.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held in Spell Chapel, Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville at 11 o’clock on March 25th, followed immediately thereafter by a small, family-only burial of remains at the Carolina Memorial Gardens in North Charleston, SC. In lieu of sending flowers, Kenneth’s family requests that any memorials be sent to Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville and dedicated to local missions. You can contact Bethany UMC at (843) 873-1230 or online by visiting www.bethany-umc.com.