SMSgt Clarence Hinnant, 86, of Columbia, died Thursday, February 28, 2019. Born May 8, 1932, in Middlesex, NC, he was a son of the late John Avery and Ruby Howard Hinnant. He was in the US Air Force for 27 years and honorably served his country during the Korean War and Vietnam War. During his military career, SMSgt was an aircrew member aboard tanker aircraft who operated the boom for in-flight refueling. Following his military career, SMSgt Hinnant was employed for 25 years with the Department of Defense and in civil service as the Sr. Manager of the Commissary in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was a parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Columbia, was an avid news watcher, and enjoyed politics, golf, music, stock trading, and antique automobiles. SMSgt Hinnant always loved flying and later in his life achieved receiving his pilot's license.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 30 years, Regina Hinnant; children, Kyla, Douglas, Kelvin and Charlton Hinnant; sister, Marjorie Hagan; as well as four grandchildren. In addition to his parents, SMSgt Hinnant was also preceded in death by his brother, Roman Hinnant.

A vigil and prayer service will be held 3 o'clock Sunday, March 3rd at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with visitation to follow until 5 o'clock. A Rite of Committal with full military honors will be held 12 o'clock, Monday, March 4th at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Building Fund, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223.