Claude "Wink" Winston Pinner

Claude “Wink” Winston Pinner, age 88, of Sardis City, Alabama passed away on June 22, 2016 at the Hospice Care Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  He is a native of Arkansas and had spent the majority of his life in Fort Lauderdale, FL., having built many of the condo units on Fort Lauderdale beach; and was also instrumental in building the city of Coral Springs, Florida and was known for his craftsmanship of woodworking.  

Wink is a member of the Alabama City Church of God Cathedral of Praise, which he also built; a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and as a young boy he started playing guitar and played in church and  for gospel groups during his entire life.  He was a past Captain of the Lee College Football team.   He lived life to the fullest spreading laughter and joy to all he touched, and always played a very special role in the lives of his family from the children to the great-great grandchildren.  He loved them all “whole world full.” 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude William and Annie Rowena Mullins Pinner; wife, Gwendolyn Ruth Beaube Pinner; sisters, Ruth Guess and Mary Parnell; and daughter-in-law Vicki Pinner.

Wink is survived by five children, Butch (Debbie) Pinner of Hiram, GA, Buster Pinner of Flowery Branch, GA, Jody (Betty) Pinner of Loganville, GA, Jan (Bill) Matthews of Riceville, TN, and Meri Thacker of Lithia, FL,; two sisters, Dolly May Maddox of Lake City, FL, and Althea Joshlyn of Lake City, FL, and a special friend Iris Oden of Sardis City, AL.  Thirteen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and one great grandchild along with several nieces, nephews and other extended family members also survive.

“I have fought a good fight.  I have finished my course.  I have kept the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7.

A Celebration of Life and Home going of Wink Pinner will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2016, from the Chapel of Serenity Funeral Home with Brother Richard Acray officiating.

The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the funeral home.

Visit the Pinner family guestbook and leave a message of comfort.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Etowah, 300 North Tennessee Avenue, Etowah, TN 37331.