John Wayne Hinnant, 76, of Kenly, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 9, 2026, following a long illness. He was born on December 1, 1949, in Johnston County to the late Erie Everett and Gladys Creech Hinnant.

John is survived by his wife, Gloria Crocker Hinnant; his son and daughter-in-law, Everette and Kristy Hinnant (Emerald Isle); his son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Robyn Hinnant (Kenly); his son and daughter-in-law, Hunter and Ashley Hinnant (Four Oaks); his stepdaughter and son-in-law, Bobbie and Todd Shirley (Kenly); his stepdaughter and son-in-law, Bridget and Wayne Mozingo (Selma); his grandchildren, Hunter, Logan, Trey, Micaela, Dallas, Olivia, Trace, Macey, Trent, Mallory, Avery, Briley, Talton, Maddox, Sapphire, and Diamond; and his great-grandchildren, Ayden, Karsyn, Evie, and Levi.

John is also survived by his sisters, Edna Earl Grabol (of Surf City) and Pat Daniels (of Selma), and many nieces and nephews.

John loved fishing, and often during the summers he and his sons would spend time at the beach and eat their catches of the day. He loved cooking—a trait that his sons share—for his family, friends, and church. He won many trophies from participating in pig-cooking competitions, a love he passed on to his son Hunter. He enjoyed competing in Pig Cooking Showmanship, where they decorated their cook site with dinnerware, period dress attire, and more. He truly loved the beach and spent many hours each day enjoying the sound of the waves and the sun on his face. John also loved traveling and camping in his RV with his family and grandchildren.

John was a dedicated member of Mount Zion OFWB Church, where he devoted many hours to working for our Lord and supporting His church. In his service, John went on several mission trips, cooking and laboring to help others.

John spent his career in construction, building bridges with Wilson Construction and then Crowder Construction. He later worked for himself pouring concrete and building homes for Scott Lee Homes. Even this past January, he helped his granddaughter lay flooring. Every time he crossed a bridge, he would share, "I built this bridge some 40 years ago," beaming with pride.

A funeral will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion OFWB Church, located at 9300 Johnson Farm Road, Kenly, NC. Visitation with the family will be held immediately following the funeral service in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Memorials may be mailed to Mt. Zion OFWB Church, 3067 Crockers Nub Road, Kenly, NC 27542.