Barney “B.H.” Hiram Hinnant

Barney “B.H.” Hiram Hinnant, 86, passed away at the SECU Hospice House on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 surrounded by his family. Born in Kenly, NC (Johnston County) on March 13, 1940, he was the son of the late Robert Hinnant and Rachel Perkins Hinnant.

In addition to his parents, B.H. is preceded in death by his daughter Sandra Hinnant; and son, Gregory Hinnant.

B.H. is survived by his loving wife, Onnalee McElhaney Hinnant; son, Jeffrey “J.J.” Hinnant (Laurie); grandchildren, Robert Hinnant (Madelyn), Eleanor Aycock (Jordan), Bryant Hinnant, Jonathan Hinnant, and Alison Hinnant; and daughter-in-law, Donna Hinnant.

He was the founder and president of Beulah Enterprises, Inc., where he managed his rental properties and valued all his customers. He cared about his customers and was always committed to treating them with respect and kindness.

Teaching was another important part of B.H.’s life. He was a math instructor at Wayne Community College for more than 20 years, where he had the opportunity to influence and encourage students throughout his career. Earlier in his teaching career he taught at Kenly High School, Fremont High School, and Charles B. Aycock High School.

Perhaps one of B.H.’s greatest joys was passing his knowledge and skills on to his children and grandchildren. He was especially proud of the individuals they became and was always proud to see that he had raised productive, contributing members of society.

B.H. will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his teaching career, his care for those he served, and most of all, the lasting impact he made on his family, students, and community. His impact will continue to live on in all that knew him.

A service to celebrate B.H.’s life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Kenly Funeral Service. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Kenly Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the SECU Hospice House of UNC Health Johnston 426 Hospital Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577 in memory of Barney Hinnant.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral Service.