Ginny and Chuck Hilbinger Jr.

Ginny and Chuck Hilbinger of Greensboro, NC, originally from Baltimore, MD, were childhood friends and teenage sweethearts who wed on June 27, 1948, enjoying 73 years of marriage before their recent deaths. Chuck, 97, was born Charles Frederick Hilbinger, Jr. to Katherine Ellinger and Charles Hilbinger, Sr. on October 3, 1924. He died March 10, 2022. Ginny, 94, was born Virginia Lee Franz to Sophia Schmidt and John Franz on October 25, 1927. She died February 7, 2022. Faith, family, servant-leadership and adventure defined their lifelong partnership.

Both graduated from Towson High School. Chuck joined the US Army during WWII, achieving 2nd Lieutenant Pilot, Army Air Corps. Ginny became an administrator and teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools graduating from Maryland State Teachers College (Towson University). After the war Chuck became a private flight instructor, then earned a Civil Engineering degree from the Army returning as a civilian Administrator for the Army Test and Evaluation Command Headquarters in Aberdeen, MD for 32 years, making sure every piece of equipment and weaponry was effective and safe. Ginny left the education profession in 1958 to raise a family, but in 1969 she returned to the field as Correspondence Teacher with Baltimore’s Calvert School for 20 years. Her students’ parents were US Embassy employees, traveling carnival and circus workers, professors at foreign universities and missionaries living worldwide.

They designed and helped build their family homes in Parkville and Fallston, MD, then upon their “first” retirement, designed a dream home in Ocean Pines, MD near Ocean City. Ten years later they sold it to buy their “second” retirement home-on-the-go, a 38’ Carriage 5th Wheel Camper towed by a 1-ton Ford pickup with “dualies.” They visited all 48 contiguous states and all of Canada’s southern provinces. Their “third” retirement was at Chambrel of Williamsburg, VA from 2001-21 before moving to Greensboro’s Brookdale Lawndale Park last July.

In four Lutheran churches they both served several terms on Council, chaired various committees, and taught children and adults. Ginny directed VBS, served as Sunday School Superintendent, and was the first female president of two different congregations. Chuck served through Stephen Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Parks & Recreation youth leagues, Kiwanis, and Free Tax Counseling for elderly and low-income families. He led local efforts to conserve water and promote recycling. Ginny was an officer for Christian Women’s Club International, a substitute teacher, a new residents ambassador, and a volunteer library director (a.k.a. “The Library Czar”). Together they served multiple Sowers International mission projects during their RV days.

They are survived by sons, Chip Hilbinger of Wilmington, DE, and Jay Hilbinger (Cindy) of Greensboro, NC, and granddaughter Katie Bess Hilbinger of Durham, NC.

A Celebration of Lives will be at First Lutheran Church, Greensboro, NC, at 11 AM on Saturday, March 19, preceded by visitation in the Community Center. In lieu of flowers the family invites memorial donations to Habitat for Humanity, Lutheran World Relief (Ukraine Refugees), First Lutheran Church, Greensboro, or a charity of your choice.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Hilbinger family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.