Jerry Lee Hinzman

Jerry Lee Hinzman, 85, of McLean, VA, (formerly of Greenville, NC, Morehead City, NC, and Bethesda, MD) entered eternal rest peacefully on April 6. Mr. Hinzman was born on April 17, 1939 in Akron, OH to Raymond Carroll Hinzman and Mary Gertrude Hinzman (Schultz).

Growing up in Akron, Mr. Hinzman attended North High School where he was president of the Math and Science clubs and was on the honor roll.

He attended Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, subsequently Case Western Reserve University, where he studied electrical engineering. At Case, he focused on his studies and joined the fencing team, where he served as President.

After he graduated from Case in 1962 with a Bachelor’s degree, he went to work at North Electric Company.

He married Carol Anne Haney on December 23, 1962, and they moved to Prince George’s County, MD where he began working at Vitro Laboratories supporting the U.S. Navy Polaris Program. He had two sons with Carol; Joel Patrick and Joshua Keith.

In 1965, Mr. Hinzman joined the U.S. Navy as a civilian electrical engineer at the Navy Strategic Systems Program Office, which was responsible for the Polaris, Poseidon and Trident Missile and submarine programs. In this role, he was responsible for Engineering Specifications, Data Management, and maintenance computers on the U.S. and U.K. ballistic missile nuclear submarine fleets. He retired from the Navy in May 2002 after 36 years. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

In 1986, he married Susan Emmons Montcrief Yates (Archer). The two met in sailing class. They were avid sailors who shared that love throughout their lives. Among their favorite activities were annual trips to the UK, entertaining guests aboard their boat, the “WindWeaver,” attending the Maryland Hunt Cup and other steeplechase races, and vacationing at North Carolina beaches.

In retirement, Jerry and Susan moved to Morehead City, N.C., where they enjoyed being near the shore and pursuing their love of photography, making lighthouses and sand pipers their subjects. They also kept a home in Greenville, N.C., to be close to his cousin, Beatrice Chauncey. He also helped establish the Beatrice Chauncey Scholarship Endowment at East Carolina University School of Music.

Mr. Hinzman wrote two biographies. One focused on his grandfather, the artist Joseph Stanley Schultz. The second told of his great friend, Ed Wynn.

While living in North Carolina, he was active in the Greenville Kiwanis Club and served as president of two homeowner associations. Mr. Hinzman was also a member of the District of Columbia Society, Sons of the American Revolution. For a time, he enjoyed evenings playing bridge with his neighborhood friends. He had a penchant for nautical fiction and antiques, and was a lifelong lover to all animals, often adopting cats that found their way to his doorstep. He most enjoyed travel with his sons especially to Italy and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Hinzman was predeceased by his loving wife of 27 years, Susan, as well as his parents Raymond, Mary Gertrude, and stepfather Jack Campbell, and his brother Raymond Stanley, Jr. He is survived by his son Joel, daughter-in-law Jennifer; his granddaughter Avery, his son Joshua Keith and nephew David Hinzman.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation supporting Vinson Hall Retirement Community, 6251 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 222101.

A memorial service will be held on April 23, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home at 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, 22203 with a celebration of life to follow at 6:00 p.m. the Army Navy Country Club, 1700 Army Navy Dr in Arlington, VA, 22202.

A funeral will be held on April 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St.Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1 St. Mary's Church Rd, Abingdon, MD with a burial to follow.