Obituaries

Dale Edson Hinkle, 87, of Lincolnton, died May 26 at the home of his daughter in Raleigh, following a long illness.

Mr. Hinkle was born Jan. 29, 1930, to the late William Preston Hinkle, Sr. and Ola McConnell Hinkle. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was an upholsterer at various local furniture manufacturers for more than 40 years. He was a longtime member of the American Legion and a lifelong member of the Republican Party. From the 1940’s onward, he enjoyed following the athletic fortunes of the Tarheel football and basketball teams of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. And for more than 50 years, he was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team.

Mr. Hinkle’s family will receive friends on May 31, 10-10:45 a.m., at Asbury United Methodist Church in Lincolnton, with Rev Ken Spencer and Rev. Anita Sain officiating. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with burial in the church cemetery.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and William Preston “Prett” Hinkle, Jr., and three sisters, Evie Hartman, Lois Lanier and Louise Harbinson.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ramona Ballard Hinkle of the home; a daughter, Amy Hinkle Puckett, husband Robert and son Karl August, all of Raleigh; a son, Thomas Henkel and wife Julie of Mount Holly; a brother, Thomas Henkle and wife Carolyn of Lincolnton; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 3097 Asbury Church Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092.