Walter Pinkston, Jr

Walter Carl Pinkston, Jr. 75 years of age, of New London, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at Carolinas Specialty Hospital in Pineville. Walter was born March 9, 1938 in China Grove to the late Walter Carl Pinkston, Sr. and the late Georgia Belle Rabon Pinkston . He was also preceded in death by sister, Ruby Alderman, and granddaughter, Angel Pinkston. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 21, 2013 from 6 pm - 8 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will be at 2 pm on Friday in the Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel. The burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory, with military honors by Stanly County DAV, Chapter 12 and North Carolina Honor Guard. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara Ann Whitley Pinkston of the home; daughters, Rhonda Dilks and husband Michael of Wilmington, Beverly Gray and husband Eddie of Colfax, and Kelly Plowman and husband Danny of New London; daughter-in-law, Sherri Pinkston of Millingport; son, Carl Lee Pinkston of New London; nine grandchildren, Shane Williams, Kennard Dilks, Georgia Dilks, Courtney Gray Robbins, Paul Casimo, Brooke Pinkston, Brittany Pinkston Poplin, Brandi Pinkston, and Brantley Pinkston; six great grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Hager of Kannapolis, Nancy Martin of Mt. Pleasant, and Bernice Trexler of Kannapolis, special friend, Linda Palmariello of Boston, Mass.; and special caregiver, Annette Clark. Walter was a strong willed and loving man who was a wonderful father, grandfather and loving husband. He served his country honorably in the US Army during Vietnam. He was a member of the US Army Band and performed at President Eisenhower's inauguration. He later retired from the US Army as Master Instructor of Small Arms. Walter was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a gunsmith and marksman. He enjoyed carpentry and woodworking. He was a faithful member of New Bethel Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made to New Bethel Music Fund, .21746 Rogers Rd., Richfield, NC 28137. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Pinkston family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com