TURNER – Donald True Hinkley, 85, a lifelong resident of Upper Street, Turner, passed away June 23, 2021 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 15, 1936 in Lewiston, the son of Percival True and Alice (Jordan) Hinkley. He attended schools in Turner and was a 1954 graduate of Leavitt Institute. On August 17, 1957 at East Auburn Baptist Church, Don married Sally Parks.

Donny loved driving truck, and it was his occupation most of his life. He purchased Hinkley Trucking from his father in 1967 and was an owner-operator for almost 50 years hauling oil, various produce, and much more for many brokers including C and J Transport of Fairfield, and Bisson Transportation of West Bath. After he sold his truck, in his 70s, he worked part time for Ricker Hill Farm, still driving truck until November 2020 when he was diagnosed with cancer.

He was a member of the Turner Universalist Church for over 60 years, a Ping Pong champ in high school and was a charter member of the Turner Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club. He loved snowmobiling and fly fishing from their camp in Eustis. In the 1970s he enjoyed bowling and playing in the local pick-up softball games.

Don and Sally were snowbirds for the past 13 years, living winters in their second home, in DeLand, Fla. where he participated in the park corn hole games and socialized.

Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sally Hinkley of Turner; his three children, Suzanne Denis and husband Paul of Clay, N.Y., Rebecca Elsman and husband Steve of Hartford, and Michael Hinkley and wife Julie (Lowell) of DeLand, Fla.; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Russell A. Hinkley Sr. of Turner, his sister, Arlene Samson of Turner; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Norman and Laura Parks Jr. of Buckfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; infant daughter, Shelia Hinkley; his brother-in-law, Joseph Samson, his sister-in-law, JoyCe Hinkley, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pamela and Floyd Richardson; and several nieces and nephews.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, at the First Universalist Church of Turner Center, 450 Turner Center Rd. (Rte. 117), Turner. Interment at South Turner Cemetery, Upper Street, Turner. Arrangements by FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church St., Livermore Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald True Hinkley’s memory to:

First Universalist Church of Turner Center,

C/O Vicky Catlett,

279 Campbell Rd.,

Leeds, ME 04263 or to the

Turner Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club,

P.O. Box 136,

Turner, ME 04282.

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