Jeff was born in Johnston County on July 29, 1934 to the late Joe and Flora Fitzgerald Hinnant. He was preceded in death by his first wife Geraldine “Jerrie” Hinnant. Jeff proudly served his country in the United States Navy, and served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a member of the Tarheel Appaloosa Horse Association. Jeff worked for thirteen years with the Southern States Corporation.