Dr. William H. Hinkle passed away on May 8, 2024 at home. He was born on July 6, 1941 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Elizabeth A. Hinkle and the late George D. Hinkle, Sr.. He is survived by his wife, Patty Boyer Hinkle and their sons Dr. David A. Hinkle and Mr. Mark E. Hinkle.
He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Beth Hinkle, Annie Pilkerton, his three grandchildren: Dr. Jason T. Hinkle, Jessica R. Hinkle and Brett D. Hinkle and his brother and sister in law, Steve and Mary Boyer.
Bill graduated from Susquehanna Township High School in 1959 where he played football, basketball and track and field.. He earned his BA degree from Lebanon Valley College in 1964. While at LVC he served as class vice president and was elected to membership in the Pi Gamma Mu National Honor Society. That same year, he married his college sweetheart – Pat. They were about to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in June.
Bill received his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army in1966. He subsequently received a full academic scholarship to Lehigh University and received his Master’s degree in 1968. While there, he was elected to the Pi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society. He received his Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Maryland in 1975.
Bill retired from the Social Security Administration as a member of the Senior Executive Service and last served as Associate Commissioner for Communication Planning and Technology. He also served as an adjunct professor of Management at the George Washington Graduate University and for over 20 years at the Johns Hopkins Graduate University. He went on to a successful post-retirement career as a Management Consultant and Educator.
Bill enjoyed many family activities including numerous western trips with his boys, mid-winter visits to Florida and summer vacations at the beach. He particularly enjoyed a wide range of water sports at his retirement home at Lake Heritage located near Gettysburg. These included slalom skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, kayaking and stand -up paddle boarding with Pat, his sons and grandchildren. He took up golf late in life but enjoyed being a “hacker.”
During his retirement years, Bill and Pat crossed the Atlantic over a dozen times touring such places as Egypt, Russia, virtually all of Western Europe and most of Eastern Europe. European river cruises were a particular favorite. In all, they visited 54 foreign countries and 48 US states. Bill and the entire family developed a lasting love affair with our nation’s national parks. He was a huge Phillies and Eagles fan.
Above all, he deeply loved Pat. He cherished David and Mark. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.
A private family Celebration of Life will be held ocean side in OC, MD. where his family made countless fun memories.
