William “Bill” Hinman, 78, died peacefully at his home in Irvington on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, with the love of his life by his side.
Bill was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on Feb. 27, 1948 to Commander Gerald Hinman and Dorothy Hinman. He lived in several places during his younger life; however, his family settled in Annapolis, Md. after his father’s retirement from the Navy.
Bill graduated from Charlotte Hall Military Academy in Charlotte Hall, Md. in 1967. He loved his time there and served on the Charlotte Hall Military Academy alumni board.
After graduation he was drafted into the Army, where he served for four years. He spent a year in Vietnam where he served as a proud member of the Screaming Eagles 101st Airborne. Years later he became a member of the William C. Lee Chapter of the 101st Airborne association and served for a time on their board.
He loved his early morning walks where you could often see him in his 101st Airborne attire. As they would say another Eagle has soared. After leaving the Army, Bill graduated from the University of Maryland with a business/marketing degree and went to work for General Electric, where he worked for 20 years. After GE he decided to make his hobby his work and became the manager of Urbanna Yachting Center for several years. During his time there he also pursued his certification in financial planning through Florida State University. Upon leaving the yachting center he became a government consultant at the Defense General Supply Center in Richmond until his retirement.
Bill loved the water and sailing. He and his wife spent many wonderful days sailing the orange and white “Babe” on the Chesapeake Bay and its river tributaries. He also served as treasurer of the Urbanna Creek Yacht Club.
Bill was predeceased by his father, Gerald; mother, Dorothy; brother, Gerry; and sister, Dorothy.
Bill is survived by his wife of 39 years, Frances Dell Hinman, or as he lovingly called her, “Francie.” He is also survived by his daughter, April Gordon; son, Billy Jr.; brother, David; and several grandchildren.
Bill requested no funeral services but asked that you raise a glass in celebration and to live your life to the fullest, as he always tried to do.
