Robert "Bobby" Lloyd Hinson Jr.

Robert Lloyd Hinson Jr., known to many as “Bobby,” was born on December 1, 1967, in Laurinburg, N.C. After 56 years of living life to the fullest, Bobby was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on July 29, 2024. Following eight weeks of a hard-fought battle, Bobby passed away on September 30, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Bobby was a proud native of Scotland County and graduated from Scotland High School in 1986. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from East Carolina University and his Master of Music degree from Temple University. Bobby met the love of his life, Claudia, while attending ECU at summer orientation in 1986. Soon after, Bobby spotted Claudia in a music theory class and found a seat directly behind her. After many notes passed back and forth in class and trips around campus in his ‘67 Chevelle, they couldn’t be separated. They were married in 1995 at First Baptist Church of Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh became their home for all 29 years of their marriage.

Bobby was popularly known as “Mr. Hinson.” He began his teaching career at East Millbrook Magnet Middle School and became the first band director at Salem Middle School when it opened in 2004. Teaching was one of his greatest accomplishments. Bobby poured his heart into teaching his students the value of music and how to be the best versions of themselves in this life. He radiated passion and led by example. Bobby became a role model to many young musicians and greatly impacted many lives. Bobby was the 2022 recipient of the Award of Excellence by the North Carolina East Central District Bandmasters Association and retired in the same year after teaching for 29 years.

Throughout his years of teaching and beyond, Bobby established a successful career in music performance. He was an active trumpet player, having played with artists Aretha Franklin, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Regis Philbin, Idina Menzel, Susan Lucci, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Olivia Newton John, Weird Al Yankovic, Bobby Vinton, Ben Vereen, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’Jays, The Harry James Orchestra, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, Chairman of the Board, and many more. Bobby also played in the orchestra for many Broadway musicals at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC). His longest-running and proudest gig was with his father’s big band, The Lloyd Hinson Orchestra, where he began playing at age 14.

When Bobby wasn’t in the band room or playing his trumpet, you could find him on his bike, going out to eat with friends, enjoying the fire pit he built, or on his boat, the “Summer Gig.” Bobby had a unique appreciation for the little things in life. He will be remembered for his impressive ability to make people laugh, his intentionality to be a friend to all, and for having a heart larger than life. Most of all, Bobby cherished every moment with his family.

Bobby was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He loved well and was loved by many. Bobby is survived by his wife, Claudia Chalmers Hinson; his daughters, Abigail Hinson and Hannah Hinson; his sister, Amy Hinson Sandlin (husband Kerry); brother-in-law, Scott Chalmers (wife Rhonda and son Christian); stepmother Marjorie Hinson; stepfather Richard Robbins; mother-in-law Barbara Powell; and step-siblings, Virginia Robbins, David Robbins, Andrew Robbins, Lee Hallock, Martha Robbins, Lee Allen, and David Allen. Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lloyd Hinson, and his mother, Kay Almond Robbins.

A visitation for Bobby was held Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612. A funeral service was held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Raleigh, 99 N Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27603. A graveside service followed in Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612.

In Lieu of Flowers please consider making a Donation to an organization of your choice to help the affected families of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Bobby, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory".