William Walter Hearne

William Walter Hearne, a long time Greenville resident, passed away of natural causes at East Carolina University Health Medical Center on November 12, 2025. He was 94 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Virginia Louise Hearne (née Head); a daughter, Dr. Crystal Hearne Reinoso and her husband, Bruce; a son, U.S. Ambassador (retired) Dennis W. Hearne; a grandson, Christopher W. Hearne and Christopher's mother, Silvia Arouca Hearne, both of Santo Andre, Brazil.
Walter Hearne pursued a highly successful career in television from the earliest days of TV in eastern North Carolina, having joined WNCT TV in 1958 as a cameraman, director and producer, notably of the highly popular "Carolina Today" morning show, hosted by Walter's friend and colleague, Slim Short (aka Robert Allen). Slim and Walter filmed news, entertainment, and local features across North Carolina and beyond for around 40 years, and were recognized by thousands of North Carolinians.
Walter was also an outstanding and self taught musician, performing on bass with local country music bands for nearly 70 years and traveling to Nashville, Tennessee and beyond on many occasions.
A dedicated outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and camping with friends and family throughout his long and happy life.
There will be a private service for family and invited participants on November 18. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Stjude.org/donatetoday).