Obituary of Michael Robert Hinkle

Michael Robert Hinkle, Sr. (Pops) of Ladson, SC, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday at home. He was, like in life, surrounded by family and friends. Mike was born on June 4, 1956 in Wellsville, NY to John and Ella Hinkle. He graduated from Scio Central School in Scio, NY in 1974. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served his country for 20 years before retiring in Ladson. He received several awards and commendations throughout his service, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Air Force Overseas Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon¸the USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksman, the AF Training Ribbon and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). He was a veteran of the US Invasion of Grenada, Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf War. After retirement, he went on to work as a diesel mechanic at Highway Bulldog Express and TEI. He then went to work at Force Protection, where his desire to serve his country was brought to the fore once again. He spent three years in Iraq, working side by side with the military, as the Head Field Service Representative at Camp Alasad. Mike loved the Lord and was a member of Ladson Baptist Church. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved nothing more than to spend time with his brothers, sons and grandchildren, sharing his love of the outdoors with those he loved most. He loved his motorcycle and loved to go riding with his wife. His desire to help people was evident in everything he did. He never met a person he didn’t love and was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Linda Hinkle (Edwards), his four sons, Michael Hinkle, Jr of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Zane Hinkle and Lisa, of Summerville, SC, James (JB) Hinkle of Ladson, SC, and Paul Hinkle of Hanahan, SC, adopted children, Harley and Amanda Potts of Summerville, SC, six grandchildren, Dallas, Chopper, Wesley, Cherokee, Grant and Nina, his brothers, John Hinkle and Jackie of Little Genessee, NY, Charlie Hinkle of Nevada, Howard Hinkle and Julie of Scio, NY, Randy Hinkle and Belinda of Rossiter, PA, two sisters, Hazel Cornell and Rodney of Scio, NY and Louella Culbert of Wellsville, NY, and multiple aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his father, John Hinkle, his mother, Ella Hinkle (Antes), his brother Lyle James (Jimmy) Hinkle and his brother-in-law Michael Culbert. Funeral services will be held at Ladson Baptist Church on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 12 p.m. with a viewing immediately preceding at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of gifts, the family requests donations be sent to Embrace Hospice, 3640A Ashley Phosphate Road, North Charleston, SC 29418. Arrangements are by Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services.