Harold Dean Hinson

HAROLD DEAN HINSON, of Little Rock, died Saturday, Oct. 22 at 85 years of age. From humble beginnings in Hamlet, N.C., Dean joined the Marine Corps as well as put himself through the University of Baltimore. In 1962 Dean took a job as a salesman with the children's' show, Romper Room, a defining moment and launching pad for Dean's illustrious career in broadcasting. During his time with Romper Room, Dean developed his uncanny ability to identify opportunities and the fact that "producers" will always be the most valuable asset of a business. From this moment on, Dean never required a resume again and was a known name and sought after entity in the broadcast industry. He then moved into broadcast management with WDCA in Washington D.C., during which point he met his wife, Debby, of 46 years. Over the next decade, Dean keep climbing the latter in the broadcast industry taking him to Augusta, Ga., and Scranton, Pa. In 1983, he became the head of the Morris Multimedia's Broadcast division, a single station in Macon, Ga. Upon his retirement at 75, Dean had grown the broadcast division of Morris Multimedia to be comprised of 14 network signals with TV stations in Ky., Ga., Ark., Miss., and Tenn. Travel was one of his true passions; something he shared with his family every chance he got. Joking with his golf buddies, his quick witted comments, and stories that would leave people gasping for air we reasons you wanted him to walk in the room. He was "6 6's", "America's Guest", "Mr. Five Wood", and would make sure you were a preacher or not. A great man. Dean was preceded in death by his mother and father, Clayton and Margaret Hinson, and sister, Donna Hinson Crouch. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Debby; his children, Sean Hinson, Casey Hinson and Jeff Hinson; his grandchildren, Tyler Dean, McCall Opal, and Dean Allan. Dean was so proud of these children and their accomplishments. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warriors in his name. There is a Celebration of Life reception at Pleasant Valley Country Club Thursday, October 27, at 5 p.m. Family and friends are welcome. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.