Claude L. Hinkle Jr.

VIRGINIA BEACH – On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, Claude L. Hinkle Jr. (Hank) went to be with his Lord from Norfolk General Hospital while surrounded by family and friends. He was born June 7, 1927 in Strasburg Virginia and spent his childhood in Winchester Virginia. Hank was the only son of Claude Hinkle Sr. and Stella Lockhart Hinkle. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Peggy Johnson Hinkle, their two sons Marcus Hinkle and Eric Hinkle and his wife Denise; his three granddaughters Heather, Ashley, and Kelsey; three brothers-in-law Rubin Johnson, Donald Johnson and his wife Georgia; and Glenn Johnson and his wife Ruth. He was predeceased by his parents Claude Hinkle Sr. and Stella Lockhart Hinkle; and his three sisters Anita Combs, Jane Grotts, and Margaret Arismendi.

Hank graduated from Hanley High School in Winchester Virginia and immediately served in the Navy by helping keep telecommunications working between the Pentagon and ships at sea. He founded Tidewater TV in 1958 which he later renamed Tidewater Communications and Electronics Inc. when he began servicing the public safety communications system for Princess Anne County, later to become the City of Virginia Beach. Hank also founded Maritime Diver Supply, co-founded Ski World, and was a member of the Tidewater Harley Owners Group (HOG), Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Christian Motorcycle Club, and Bayside Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, October 20th at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home on Witchduck Road. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, October 21st at Bayside Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Bayside Baptist Church building fund. Please share your love and condolences with the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com