Walter Hinkle, Jr.

Walter Cain “Sonny” Hinkle, Jr., age 86, of Gulfport, passed away on September 13, 2022.

Sonny was born in Crawford, MS to Walter C. and Effie Pratt Hinkle

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Harrison Bay Hinkle; siblings, James Hinkle, Sara Hines, and Elizabeth White.

Walter is survived by his children, Walter Scott Hinkle (Malana), and Leslie Hinkle LaSalla (Philip); and grandson, Jackson Ashley Hinkle.

Walter graduated Brooksville High School in 1953 and then served as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps, 1954-1956. He entered Mississippi State in 1956 and graduated in 1958 with a B.S. in Personnel and Industrial Mgt. with a minor in Banking and Finance. He completed advanced training at LSU School of Banking, Columbia University, University of Wisconsin, and Harvard University.

Walter started in 1958 with Hancock Bank as a Mgt. Trainee and held a variety of positions throughout his career, including: manager of the Bookkeeping Department, during which the decision to automate was made, an assistant cashier and manager in the Data Processing Department, during which time the first computers were installed, an Assistant Vice President and Officer in charge of all operations and personnel, an Executive Vice President in charge of all branches and part of Senior Management, the President of Hancock Bank of Louisiana, and retired December 31, 1994, as Executive Vice President of Hancock Bank in Gulfport.

Walter had a lifelong passion for all things golf, as well as tennis. He played basketball in high school and the Marines. Walter loved restoring antiques and cars. He was a board member of the Great Southern Golf Club and held various officer positions or memberships in civic organizations including, Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Boy Scouts of America, and the United Way.

He will be remembered as a hard worker, provider, golfer, and source of practical advice.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dorree Cooper and to the staff at Dunbar Village for their loving care.

A visitation will be 12-1:30pm, Friday, September 16, 2022, at Riemann Family Funeral Home in Biloxi and the funeral service will begin at 1:30pm. Interment will follow 2:30pm at Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, www.hssm.org .

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com .