MR. GRADY HINKLE, JR.

Grady Hinkle, Jr. was born September 23, 1933, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  He was the only son and youngest child born to the union of Grady B. Hinkle and Beatrice McDorn, which included two daughters, Mary Louise and Helen.

Born in the Haughville area of Indianapolis, he was christened and later baptized at the historic St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the renowned Rev. Dr. C. J. Dailey. Grady was faithful to his church and tithed until his death. He was ordained as a trustee under the pastorate of Rev. Charles J. Walter. His parents were active members of the church, and his father was a well-known realtor whose yellow and black “Help from Hinkle” signs were displayed all over the city.  He was one of the first African American real estate brokers in the city. Mr. Hinkle was also highly regarded in the Masonic lodges.

Grady attended public schools and completed his studies at Crispus Attucks High School.  He enlisted to serve in the United States Navy.  His tour of duty spanned the South Pacific and he earned an honorable discharge for his meritus service.

Grady continued his civil service employment, with the United States Postal Service. A city letter carrier his entire career, Grady was well-known and he knew all the folks in the Haughville area by name and address.  If you knew Grady at all, you know he always made time to stop and talk. He would recant stories, imparting bits of history as he spoke. He retired after 40 years. He readily made co-workers his friends and never forgot a face.  He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Local Union, #39.

Grady followed in his father's footsteps and learned the real estate business under his direct tutelage. He acquired properties and cultivated and maintained relationships with his tenants.  Grady was respected as an astute businessman, having completed the prescribed course of study and passed the necessary examinations to become a real estate agent and broker.

In 1957, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Lucille Lawrence, who preceded him in death on February 13, 2003.  Their life of love and matrimony spanned over forty-six years and two daughters, LaJuana and Michelle were born.  Grady loved his in-laws as his own family and they loved him in return. "Uncle Grady" was truly cherished.

Since 1965, the Hinkle family has owned a cabin in Monterey, Indiana, where many weekends and summers were spent fishing.  Grady looked forward to getting away from the city, work and responsibilities of being landlord to rest and enjoy the beauty of nature.  Grady truly enjoyed spending time with his family. Known for his barbeque ribs and cornbread, he was an expert chef whose treasured recipes were his secret. 

In his retirement years, he joined the staff of Stuart Mortuary, Inc. His warm and friendly demeanor welcomed families and placed them at ease during their times of bereavement.

Grady was a welcomed fixture in the Indianapolis community. He was known to attend everyone's family celebrations for they included him in their   festivities.

Grady Hinkle, Jr. departed this earthly life on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the age of eighty- eight years ten months and eighteen days.

Those left to cherish his memory include his two precious daughters he doted on, LaJuana Warren and Michelle Hinkle; grandsons, Jordan and Colby Warren and Bryce Conger; great nephews, Devin and Duane Lloyd, Jr.; beloved “in-loves” in the Lawrence family; special companion, Lorine DeBow, and a host of other family members and friends.

Humbly Submitted

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