Charles Kenneth Hinkle

Charles Kenneth Hinkle, builder of cabins, painter of pictures, and seeker of treasures, has gone on to greater treasure in the Lord as he “lay down to sleep for an eon or two.” Charles Kenneth Hinkle was born in Midway, Tenn. to Lee and Bertha Hinkle. He served in the United States Navy, stationed on the west coast for eight years. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Ann Barton. They were married for 54 years.

After leaving the Navy, the couple settled in Greeneville, Tenn. Known as a pillar of the community, Charles retired with an unblemished career from the Greeneville Police Department, where he retired as Captain of the Detective Department in 1994. A patriot, he also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves and the Tennessee Army National Guard.

In retirement, Charles Kenneth enjoyed metal detecting, making charted discoveries about the Battle of Blue Springs, now on display in the Nathanael Greene Museum. He enjoyed spending time on the farm with his family, garden, and tractors. In later years, he was also well known as a local artist who painted scenes reminiscent of his rural Tennessee surroundings and upbringing.

His greatest achievement, according to his family, was being an exemplary father and role model for them and beyond.

During his last eighteen years, Charles Kenneth fought a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease with the help of his family. His attitude remained positive as he “took up the banjo” and often played his theme song, “Keep on the Sunny Side.”

His family takes solace in the ultimate victory from a line of one of Charles Kenneth’s own poems:

The soul must look back ~ and shiver ~ at the sight of the crumbling grotto which restricted its flight ~ for a second.

Charles Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents: Lee Roy and Bertha Hinkle; step-mother, Christine Hinkle; brother, Billy Joe Hinkle; and wife, Ann Barton Hinkle.

He is survived by his children: Rhonda Broyles (Reverend Frank Broyles), Dane Hinkle, and Kendra Adele Hinkle; his grandchildren: Brad Caldwell, Emily Wilson (Captain Andrew Wilson), and Sara Mitchell (Brandon Richardson); one great-grandchild: (Baby Wilson) to arrive in April; his siblings: Marie Cloonan, Carroll Hinkle and wife Judy, Coy Hinkle and wife Fay, and Ross Hinkle and wife Nona; and several special nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

The family thanks Dr. E.B. Smith and Dr. Brad Strange, as well as the staff of ResCare and Caris. Special friends abound who shared a cherished connection with this remarkable man. Honorary pallbearers will be former and present members of the Greeneville Police Department.

The family will receive friends from 5pm-7pm Monday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 11 am Tuesday at Kiser-Rose Hill Chapel with Rev. James W. Best and Rev. Frank Broyles officiating.

Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Coy Hinkle, Carroll Hinkle, Ross Hinkle, Shawn Hinkle, Shannon Hinkle, and Assistant Chief Craig Fillers.