He was born in Clear Fork, West Virginia in 1935 to Walter and Ida Hinkle and was one of seven children. Upon graduation from Oceana High School in Oceana, WV, Billy joined the United States Air Force, and served honorably four years. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy at Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Georgia, going on to establish a career in counseling and education.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Ida Hinkle; siblings Mary Marie Hinkle, Katherine Hinkle, Beulah Kucek, Ray Hinkle, Franklin Hinkle; grandchild Brittany Donovan.
Billy is survived by his wife Linda Hinkle; sister Betty Knepp; children Leigh Ann Pennington (Wesley), Kristy Hurley (Steven), and Nicole Fransen (Barry). He leaves grandchildren Joe Paul, Peyton, Ashton, Kellan, and Gabriel; and many nieces and nephews.
In honor of Billy’s passion for books, and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating a book to your local library or, if you prefer, send a donation to the American Cancer Society.