Harold Lawrence Hinnant Sr.

Long time resident of St. Simons Island and Glynn County, Dr. Harold L. Hinnant, affectionately known as “Doc”, died Friday February 25th at his home on St. Simons Island, after an extended illness. Doc was born and raised in Bamberg, SC, later serving as a Pharmacist Mate aboard a Naval Destroyer transporting troops from France at the end of World War II. He graduated in 1950 from the Medical University of SC earning a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

In 1947 he married Beverly Alberta Brown, daughter of Mr. Al Brown, owner operator of the Community Market previously located on Mallory St. at the pier on St. Simons Island. Along with his wife, he moved to St. Simons in 1954 and was instrumental in opening the first shopping mall in Glynn County known as Lanier Plaza. Doc opened the Walgreen Drug Store, along with Sears & Roebuck, Woolworths, and A&P grocery which were the anchor stores for the plaza. After operating the store for over twenty years he moved to a location on Gloucester Street known as Revco. Doc ended his pharmaceutical career at seventy-nine years of age with City Drugs in downtown Brunswick.

In the sixties Doc formed and trained the Glynn County Rescue Squad working out of the St. Simons Fire Station. The squadron trained in all types of rescue, both land and water and was credited with saving lives of stranded boaters and downed airplanes in Glynn, Camden, and McIntosh counties.

Doc loved his music. He was accomplished on drums, guitar, saxophone, and organ. Back in the day, he was a member of the Sammy Middleton “Moon Glow Orchestra” and several quartets that he and Sammy organized. They were together for over ten years and played at such places as the Jekyll Island Aquarama, Ramada Inn, and Carriage Inn as well as several locations in Florida.

Doc was a member and former Deacon of the “Lovely Lane Chapel” at Epworth By the Sea where he enjoyed meeting and spending time with his friends while worshiping his faith.

Mr. Hinnant is survived by his present wife Mrs. Wilma Kirkland Hinnant, son Larry Hinnant of Columbus, GA, daughter Terry Hinnant Kirby RN in Savannah, and son Al Hinnant of Brunswick, stepdaughter Elaine Bell and family, stepdaughter Laura Byrd and family both of Atlanta, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Dr. Charles W. Hinnant MD and family of Anderson, SC.

There will be a viewing at Miller & Sons Funeral Home on Monday, February 28th between 6:00 and 8:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 1st at Miller & Sons Chapel. Burial will be a graveside ceremony next to his mother, Mrs. Josephine Hinnant Brickle, at the Southend Cemetery located on Carlisle Street in Bamberg, SC, Wednesday March 2nd at 11:00 AM.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com