Donald R. Hinson

Donald R. Hinson, 86, of Columbia, passed away on Thursday, October 10th, 2024. He was born on August 26, 1938, in Seven Springs, North Carolina, to the late John Robert and Ida Ellis Hinson. Donald graduated from Grantham High School in 1956 and immediately joined the United States Army. He served in the Army until 1961 and in 1962, he served three more years in the Air Force Reserves at Seymore Johnson Air Base. Donald finished with the rank of E-5 in 1965. While in the Air Force Reserves, Donald also pursued his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering at North Carolina State, graduating in 1967. In 1965, Donald began studying planning and transportation consulting. He worked in Atlanta, Georgia for towns and counties with a private consulting firm. Donald later worked for three years in Anderson, South Carolina doing city planning and worked a further six months in Greenwood, South Carolina. In 1970, Donald began work as a planning engineer and federal funds manager for Governor McNair, Governor West, and Governor Edwards. Donald was Senior Staff Manager for eight years for Governor Riley. He later returned to private consulting and also worked in real estate. Donald oversaw 3,100 apartment units in several South Carolina and Georgia towns. In 2004, Donald was the Central Midlands Director for planning and counsel of governments for six counties. He was later the Executive Director of the South Carolina State Housing Authority until he retired. Those left to mourn his loss include his loving wife, Sandra W. Hinson, their daughter, Christine Hinson; their son, James R. Hinson (Jackie) and their grandchildren, John R. and Josephina Hinson. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 21, 2024 in the Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1321 Salem Church Road, Irmo, South Carolina, 29063. Reverend Jeff Childress will be officiating.