William Franklin Hindman

William Franklin (Shorty) Hindman April 4, 1934-February 7, 2026, William Franklin Hindman was born April 4th, 1934, in Frankewing, Tennessee and departed this life on February 7th, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents William Cordell Hindman and Lona Grace (Pinkelton) Hindman, his wife of 62 years, Virginia Gayle Hindman, and one sister, Geraldine Hindman Gammill. He is survived by his sister, Zina Mack (Hindman) Miles of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by cousins, William Flournoy Hindman, Donna Hindman Wilburn, Clara Ruth Buchanan, Robbie Mae Buchanan, Joyce (Hindman) Johns, Thomas Hindman, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. He grew up as the son of a tenant farmer in Pulaski, TN, the youngest of three children. His early life was not easy, and he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and honesty early in life. He attended Bodenham school where he was known as Franklin. He was always “Bill” to his wife and friends, but most of the family knew him as “Shorty.” That (undeserved) nickname stuck with him throughout his life and was the name by which he was fondly known by generations of family and friends. He joined and served in the US Army, just missing the Korean War, where he learned to be a machinist. His sense of responsibility was remarkably demonstrated by his time in the army. He saved most of his pay and was able to buy his parents a small farm and farmhouse near Crothersville, Indiana. He provided a home for them until his father passed away in 1990. He continued to help support his mother until her passing in 2000. After leaving the army he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where he met his wife Virginia Gayle Hart. They lived on Springdale Rd in Colerain township outside of Cincinnati until Virginia passed in 2023. He then resided with his nephew Dr. Stephen Pendell of Amelia, OH. He was the favorite uncle of many and could always be counted on to take nephews and nieces to an amusement park, the zoo or some other adventure (often involving fireworks.) I don’t think any of us ever heard a cross or unkind word leave his lips. A visit with Uncle Shorty and Aunt Gayle was always eagerly anticipated! Shorty and Gayle were very fond of riverboat cruises, particularly on the Delta Queen and they made many lifelong friends. Shorty was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and was very politically active, becoming a Precinct President in the Cincinnati area. After he retired, he spent a great deal of his time doing volunteer work at The Cincinnati Museum Center where he was able to indulge himself in his love of learning. He always loved learning more about the world, art and history and was always happy to share that love. Visitation will be held on Saturday February 14, 2026, from 10:00am until the time of service (11:00am) at Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd. Fairfield, OH 45014. Burial to follow at Crown Hill Memorial Park, Cincinnati, OH. www.avancefuneralhome.com