PTC man who lost family in Ohio wreck is thankful for help of friends, others

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Gary Hinkle, who lost his wife and their twin daughters in a Ohio car wreck two months ago, is slowly recovering with family there and plans to return home to Peachtree City.

"He's doing fair, far better than I would be," said Mary Hamblin, a neighbor of Hinkle's who spoke with him several days ago.

She said Hinkle was tremendously grateful for the generosity of people who learned of his plight and have continued to support him over the past two months.

"He said, 'I will never be able to say thank you enough to the people who contributed to the memorial fund and the volunteers who have helped with the yard.'" Hamblin said. "He is grateful for help he has received from people he didn't even know ... and he is amazed they have not forgotten about him in two months and gotten back on with their lives."

Hinkle and his wife, Nancy, were unable to have children of their own. They adopted Emily and Elizabeth from an unwed mother, and neighbors recalled how the couple's lives revolved entirely around the twins.

Hinkle also told Hamblin that while the deaths of Nancy, Elizabeth and Emily were a tragedy, he hopes their story of creating a family through adoption will inspire other young unwed pregnant women to consider adoption as an alternative.

While the twins' time on Earth was short, "I'd never give up those three years," Hinkle told Hamblin. "If it only would help them realize, their child will be loved."

Hinkle plans to return in October with a number of family members in tow to help out. Already, volunteers are lining up to provide food and drinks for the family, Hamblin added.

"He's anxious to come back; he loves it here," she said. "He just wants to come back and get his life together."

Hinkle suffered a slight setback about two weeks ago, hospitalized for blood clots in his leg, Hamblin said. Doctors have told him it will be weeks before he is allowed to put weight on the leg, she added.

As Hinkle recovers in Ohio, friends and neighbors in Peachtree City are taking care of the yard; Hamblin said she has been swamped with volunteers although more are needed.

Contributions may be sent to the memorial fund for Nancy, Emily and Elizabeth Hinkle at The Bank of Georgia, 2008 Hwy. 54 West, Fayetteville, Ga., 30214. For more information, contact Vicki or Mike Harris at 770-632-0460.

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