C. Henry "Hank" Hinnant III packed an astonishing assortment of job experiences into a single lifetime.
He taught high school math, sold college textbooks, worked as a stockbroker and was president of an engineering and construction firm that built upscale homes in the Irvington area — all before he turned 40.
But the economic downturn in the 1970s caused him to change direction, and he found what proved to be his true calling: leading, planning and overseeing retirement communities.
"He very much saw his life as one of service to other people," said his brother, George R. Hinnant, a Richmond-area attorney.
Mr. Hinnant, who in retirement had resided in the Gloucester County community of Hayes when he wasn't living on his boat, died Feb. 10 after a six-month battle with cancer. He was 73.
Mr. Hinnant, who was born in Richmond and attended St. Christopher's School, returned to college in the late 1970s and earned a degree in long-term health care management from VCU's Medical College of Virginia, graduating in 1981 — 20 years after he had graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in vocational and occupational training.
While at MCV, he worked as an administrative trainee at Westminster Canterbury of Richmond.
"That's really when he was touched very much by what quality service meant and could contribute to the quality of life of seniors," his brother said.
After school, Mr. Hinnant went to work at Westminster Canterbury of Lynchburg, where he spent years and held the titles of vice president and treasurer. In 1989, he became president and chief executive officer of the new Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville. He guided the completion of construction and the opening of the facility in 1990 and then, until his retirement in 2005, oversaw several expansions that nearly tripled the size of the original 24-acre hilltop community.
"It was really quite a career," his brother said.
Besides his brother, survivors include two sons, Clarence Henry Hinnant IV of South Boston, and William Walsh Tuck Hinnant of Virginia Beach. A funeral will be held today, Tuesday, at 1 p.m., at Historic Christ Church in Irvington.
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