Bobbie Joe Hinkle

Bobbie Joe Hinkle, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at his home in Logan. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Logan Baptist Church by Bro. Anthony Clark and Bro. Paul Cleghorn. Burial will follow at Emeus Cemetery in Logan. Visitation will be at Logan Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. He was born on February 23, 1943, in Cullman, AL, the son of the late Hershel Hinkle and Arnell Couch Hinkle.

Mr. Hinkle was preceded in death by his parents, Hershel and Arnell Couch Hinkle; and his sister, Judy Hinkle Brown (Larry).

Mr. Hinkle is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sheila Harbison Hinkle; Children, Randy Hinkle (Vickie), and Ginger Hinkle Myrex (Lee); Grandchildren, Tiffany Hinkle Pope (Kevin), Josh Hinkle (Celina), Koral Myrex Dean (Derek), and Palee Myrex; Great grandchildren, Maison and Wake Dean, Case Pope, and Camryn and Sidney Hinkle; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Logan baptist church: 4684 Co. Rd. 831, Logan, AL 35098.

Emeus Cemetery: 2157-2221 CR-831 Cullman, AL 35098.

Moss Service directing.

Born in a hospital at a time when most people were born at home, Bobbie entered this world just as he left it: a truly remarkable person! He was born during the height of WWII in 1943 and he vividly remembered the thrill of having electricity for the first time at five years old in 1948. Eager to learn more, I asked him what the first electric item his parents got was, expecting something grand, something life-changing, like a washing machine or refrigerator. He simply replied, “A lightbulb.” I was shocked by the simplicity! He then goes on to explain that it had a long string, and you could even turn it on and off from the bed! "Well, I guess that is life-changing after all," I said, and we laughed so hard at that!

He began school at Logan Jr. High in 1949, and after just three days, he was convinced school just wasn't for him. At age six, he decided he was ready to quit. But, as we all know, he decided to stick with it and went on to become an exceptionally smart and wise man. Bobbie graduated from West Point High School in 1961, receiving numerous honors, the most memorable being the Good Citizen Award, highlighting the extraordinary character that had been his trademark since childhood. When I asked if he ever got in trouble at school, he shared a story of the one time he and some friends decided to skip school. A few days later, they were found out and they all got in trouble. One girl's mother questioned why she thought it was a good idea. Her response was, "Well, Bobbie Joe did it!" Bobbie was such a good influence that his friends believed if he was doing something, it must be okay for them to do it too!

A few months after high school, Bobbie embarked on an adventure by joining the Air Force. He went to boot camp in Amarillo, Texas, where he trained as a jet-engine mechanic. During the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was stationed in Tampa, FL, standing ready in one of the most critical moments of American history. Bobbie served with distinction for four years, from October 3, 1962, to March 25, 1966, earning the Medal of Good Conduct. This medal was awarded to those with excellent or higher ratings in character and efficiency, as well as exemplary conduct. For Bobbie, these qualities were not just requirements for service—they were the principles that defined his entire life.

One summer while on leave in 1963, Bobbie returned home to Cullman. It just so happened that a new girl had moved to town from Miami, FL—Sheila! While hanging out at Sportsman’s Lake, Bobbie met Sheila, and they were married just six months later. They moved to Arizona and soon welcomed their first son, Randy. Though my interview ended around this point, many of you know the rest of Bobbie’s story: they had another child, Ginger, and he and Sheila went on to spend an incredible 62 years together! Bobbie led a long and meaningful life, retiring after 34 years from 3M. He had many passions, including fox hunting, golf, fishing, woodworking, farming, and cheering on his kids and grandkids at their ball games.

Out of all his accomplishments, he would say that NONE mattered more than his relationship with God. His faith was his guiding light, and he lived as a shining example of Christian values every single day. Bobbie strived daily for others to know the love of God through his actions and words. Ordained as a deacon in 2003, he diligently served his church for the next 21 years. In these recent times, hundreds of people have reached out to our family, sharing a unanimous message: he was a wonderful and Godly man. He was admired and respected by everyone, except maybe a few basketball referees from the 1970s and 80s, who might tell a slightly different story, or so I’ve heard...

Bobbie was a great friend, the best grandpa, a loving father, a devoted husband, and a proud child of God. The legacy he leaves behind is extraordinary and filled with greatness in all aspects of his life. He will be deeply and fiercely missed every single day by all who love him as long as we have breath left in our lungs.