Scott Hinkle

David Scott Hinkle, 43, the founding editor and publisher of the Lake Norman Times newspaper who was described as a “dynamic community leader,” died Friday, Dec. 11, at his home in Charlotte.

Visiting hours are planned Wednesday evening, and a funeral service is planned Thursday. Details below.

The only child of Lamar and Carol Hinkle, Scott was born Oct. 17, 1966, in Charlotte. He was a resident of Lake Norman for much of his life and made significant contributions to the lake community.

At South Iredell High School, Scott distinguished himself as a student leader, serving as president of the student council, manager of the school newspaper, and a representative to Boys State. Scott was an All-Conference soccer player.

He graduated from South Iredell in 1985 and continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He joined the Alpha Mu Chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity and served as its president 1987-1988. He graduated in 1989 with a B.A. degree in history.

Scott began his work life in the retail arena but returned to his love of journalism and Lake Norman in 1993. He worked with Womack Publishing Co. to develop a weekly newspaper for the growing community, the Lake Norman Times. As the founding editor and publisher, Scott managed the editorial direction and content development for the award-winning publication.

For almost 13 years, Scott led a staff of 12 employees and dozens of outside vendors to build the sixth largest newspaper in the state. He also developed several niche publications: the Birkdale Villager, the South Iredell Chamber of Commerce Communique, the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Quarterly and Regatta of Homes. [The Lake Norman Times ceased publication on April 15, 2009, after Mr. Hinkle's tenure.]

Scott served on the Board of Directors of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce from 1996 to 2001 and was its chair in 1999. Under his leadership, the Chamber, then known as the North Mecklenburg Chamber of Commerce, changed its identity to the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and became one of the fastest growing chambers in the Carolinas.

Bill Russell, president and chief executive officer of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, said, “Scott Hinkle did more than any individual in the Chamber’s 23-year existence to create a sense of community for the Lake Norman region.”

In January 2000, Scott was recognized by Mecklenburg County for his “outstanding record of performance and his commitment to improving the Lake Norman region and Mecklenburg County” in a proclamation presented by Mecklenburg County Commissioner Maggie Markey, designating January 15 as “Scott Hinkle Day.”

In 2002, Scott served as Chair of the Board of the Lake Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Lake Norman). He helped launch an aggressive marketing campaign to identify Lake Norman as a tourist destination, creating 4,358 room nights in North Mecklenburg hotels and an economic impact of well over a half million dollars.

Scott was engaged in many civic organizations including the North Mecklenburg Rotary Club, Lake Norman Jaycees, and Lake Norman Home Builders Association. He received a Key Man award from the Jaycees and served as the Honorary Chairman of the first Lake Norman Walk America for the March of Dimes. Scott also served on the Board of Managers for Lake Norman YMCA, the Board of Directors for Historic Latta Plantation, and the Board of Directors for SouthTrust Bank.

After his work with the Lake Norman Times, Scott joined LandDesign Inc., in Charlotte, as a writer and planner.

He loved history, politics, lively conversations and the Tar Heels. Friends recall a vibrant and positive leader who was known for his loyalty and his sense of humor.

“Scott could talk to anybody,” remembers Stephen Pandos. “And when he talked to you, he gave you his undivided attention. Scott gave that focus and attention to everything he did. And it really made a difference.”

Scott is survived by his parents and a host of friends throughout North Carolina and beyond. He will be missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Raymer Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. The funeral service will be on Thursday morning at 11:30 am at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 381 Williamson Road, Mooresville. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, Thursday at 2:30 pm.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation, by mail at 5151 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 420, Washington, DC 20016 or through their website, www.diabeteswellness.net.

Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, is serving the family. www.raymerfuneralhome.org