John Barnes Hinnant, Jr.

April 19, 1934 - March 4, 2021
John Barnes Hinnant, Jr.

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John Barnes (“JB”) Hinnant, Jr., age 86 of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021.

JB was born in Wilmington on April 19, 1934 to John Barnes Hinnant, Sr. and Viola McMillan Hinnant.

In his early years he was known as Johnny and later in life as JB.

JB grew up in the Seagate Community and graduated from New Hanover High School 1954. He was a proud veteran of the US Army and served during the Korean War. After the war he owned and operated Hinnant Construction Company, sometimes known as RDJ Construction (named after his children Renae, Denise & John). He built many commercial properties in and around the Wilmington area and was part of the revitalization of downtown Wilmington. He worked on several buildings during the early days of downtown’s renaissance and his influence on historic preservation standards for commercial construction are still in use today. He was a member of Winter Park Baptist Church and a former member of the Masons and Shriners.

JB is survived by his three children, Renae Fountain (Jeff), Denise Albea (Kevin Prince), son John B. Hinnant, III (Jamie), three grandchildren, Meagan Stancil, Connor Hinnant, and Ava Hinnant; sister Elizabeth Hinnant Smith, one niece and 4 nephews as well as his special cat “KittyCat”. Many friends and associates.

A special thanks to the Care Team at Elderhaus-Pace for the love and care to JB and his family.

Though many people come and go through our lives there are some that leave a lasting impression on our hearts. Dad was one of these people. His kindness, generosity, and love will always be remembered.

To honor his wishes, he is to be cremated and his urn to be placed with his family in Oakdale Cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Not because of Covid, but because he deserves a big one!

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Elderhouse/Pace as it became his special place for the past 4 ½ years. The enrichment of JB’s life through the programming of Elderhouse added years and vitality to his life. Checks made payable to Elderhaus Pace: 2222 South 17th Sreet, Wilmington, NC 28401. In loving memory of John Hinnant.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.


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  • March 06, 2021
    Donna Grice says:
    You Dad was ONE of the good guys. Wiling to help anyone and always extending a hand up! He will be remembered and cherished by many.

  • March 06, 2021
    Shirley Sutton says:
    May the good memories remain with the family and friends forever.

  • March 06, 2021
    Lee Miller says:
    I’m very sorry to here of the passing of JB. I worked with RDJ Construction in the early 1980s and learned many things about construction from JB. Rest In Peace ...

  • March 07, 2021
    Joan Garrison says:
    Joan Garrison

  • March 07, 2021
    Joan Garrison says:
    Tho I never met John, I know him thru the stories Denise shared about him and his humor. I know he was dearly loved.