William E. Pinkston, Sr.

On October 4, 2024, William E. Pinkston Sr. peacefully transitioned to be with his Heavenly Father. He

was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend known for

dancing, his funny sayings, and ability to make everyone laugh and smile. He was unapologetically joyful

and always tried to lift the spirits of others throughout his 80 years.

Will was born on December 18, 1943, in Wise County, Virginia to Katie Mae Pinkston (97 and spry) and

the late Elzena Finch. William went by the name “Will” and was called “Pink” by his friends, but we

affectionately called him Pops.

Will moved to Delaware as a young child and was raised in Dunlieth where he formed life-long

friendships. After graduating from Delawarr High School in 1962, where Will starred in basketball and

played baseball, he attended Delaware State College in Dover, Delaware. His time at Delaware State

College was brief as he moved on to prioritize family, marrying Mary Harris and raising their newborn.

Upon returning home from Delaware State College Will worked for General Motors where he held

various positions on the assembly line for over 30 years until his retirement. Will and Mary raised two

children, William Jr. and Kim. Although divorced in 1976, they remained great friends.

Will remarried in 1987 to Elizabeth A. Bailey whom he loved unconditionally until her death in 1997.

They raised two children, Larry and Valisa who he treated as his own.

Will was a huge sports fan and the biggest front runner, often changing his allegiance to whatever team

was winning; however, you could count on him to bet against the Eagles every time. Will loved his life

and friends on 35th St. and Eastlawn, where he resided for 58 years. Loved by many, he will be fondly

remembered and sorely missed as the family patriarch. The family prays for his eternal peace as he is

welcomed into his heavenly home.

Will was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Pinkston, his grandmother Lillie Pinkston, whom was a

guiding force in his life, his aunt and uncle Claudette Thomas and Jimmy Pinkston who were more like

siblings, his sister Audrey Hoopes, his brother Tom Pinkston; and his in-laws, Bobby, Billy, Lola, and

Ralph. He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted daughter, Kim Selby and special son-in-law

Johnny Selby of Middletown, Delaware; son, William Pinkston Jr. and daughter-in-law Tuawana

“Nadiyah” Pinkston of LaPlata Maryland; step children, Larry Bailey of Dover, Delaware and Valisa Bailey,

of New Castle, Delaware;

11 grandchildren: Terrell and Terrence Pinkston; NaCoya Ellis, Zhane’ and Tre’Zhan Selby; Trevor and

Larry Bailey; Larris, Avonte, Jordyn and LaTyah DuPree; 2 sisters: Lillie Pinkston of New Castle, Delaware;

Ronnette Johnson of Conway, South Carolina; and a brother, Keith Hill of Jacksonville, Florida; best

buddies George Williams, Willie Stanley, John Gilliam, Bill Warren, James Williams and host of great

grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was a great father and friend, we’re gonna miss you a lot Pops!

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family