William Thomas “Tom” Pinkston, 81, passed away peacefully November 26, 2023. He was born in Salisbury, NC, and grew up in Hampton, VA. He graduated from Hampton High School, where he played football, designed the “Freddie the Crab” mascot, and remained a lifelong “Hampton Crabbers” fan.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and the Virginia Army National Guard.
A talented artist, he was Art Director for The Daily Press (Peninsula newspaper) for many years.
Tom changed careers along the way, serving in his last job as Education Counselor for the Navy College Program.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Upper Iowa University, a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University, and a Ph.D. in Urban Services with a cognate in Counseling, also from ODU.
He enjoyed tennis, golf, movie musical scores, astronomy, and reading. He LOVED history, was a Civil War re-enactor with the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues, and participated in the 135th re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg.
He enjoyed vacationing on the beautiful Outer Banks and visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains to see family and friends.
He was led to Christ as a teenager, was a faithful listener of Dr. J. Vernon McGee and Dr. Stephen Davey radio broadcasts, and at one time was among a small group of people who taught the Singles III Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church of Norfolk.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Judy Luther Pinkston; two daughters: Pamela Anne Coleman and Cheryl Anne Evans (husband Dave); four granddaughters: Kathryn, Lisa, Karly, and Jordan; one great grandson Peyton and one great granddaughter Hailey. Other survivors include sister-in-law Gloria Jennings and brother-in-law Kenneth Gross (wife Betty), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Chesapeake General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, and Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital for their care and compassion.
A memorial service will be held Monday, December 11, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Norfolk followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice or to Lake Taylor Hospital’s “Love Light Tree” or the Lake Taylor Foundation.
