Alfred Pinckney Obituary

Alfred Gaillard Pinckney

Charleston - Alfred Gaillard Pinckney, born December 28, 1939, in Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest Sunday, March 9, 2026. He was the only son of the late Edward Hall Pinckney and Harriet Gourdin Pinckney. Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 13, 2026 at St. Philip's Church, 142 Church Street at 11:00 am. Interment will be private The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel.

On June 30, 1962, Alfred married his high school sweetheart, Julianna French. Their enduring marriage was blessed with three daughters: Julia DeWolf Pinckney, Anne French Pinckney, and Caroline Gaillard Pinckney.

Born with a beautiful lyrical tenor voice and a genuine love of people, Alfred lived a life defined by song, service, and devotion to his community. He was proud of his deep Charleston roots; his family first arrived in Charleston in 1760 and played an important role in the early history of South Carolina.

Alfred attended The High School of Charleston and Clemson University, an institution with long ties to his family. He was a lifelong member of St. Philip's Church, where generations of his family had worshiped since 1760. Over the years, he served the parish faithfully in many roles, including Senior Warden.

Alfred began his professional career with The Equitable Life Insurance Company and later joined Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he enjoyed a successful career. Following his retirement from Mass Mutual, he continued his work as an agent with The Guardian Life Insurance Company. He was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).

His dedication to service extended throughout the Charleston community. Alfred served as President of the Rotary Club of Charleston and as Chairman of York Place for Children (now Thornwell Home in Clinton, South Carolina). He also served on the boards of Charleston Day School, The Charleston Museum, and the South Carolina Historical Society, and was a Trustee for the Episcopal-Anglican Diocese of South Carolina.

In 1992, Alfred founded what would become the Charleston Men's Chorus, bringing together his love of music and fellowship.

He was a member of numerous historic and civic organizations including the Society of the Cincinnati, where he served as President of the South Carolina Society; the St. Cecilia Society; the General Society of Colonial Wars; the Huguenot Society; the Carolina Yacht Club; the Charleston Club; the Agricultural Society; the Clergy Society; and St. John's Hunt Club.

Despite his many accomplishments and commitments, Alfred always said his proudest achievement was his family.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Julianna Pinckney; and their three daughters: Julia Pinckney and her sons, Henry Howland Frenzel (Brianna) and George Pinckney Frenzel (Virginia); Anne Pinckney Smith (Hugh) and their children, Aubrey Boyd Smith (Justine), Lauryn Smith O'Haus (Josh), Alfred Gaillard Pinckney Smith and Julianna French Smith; and Caroline Pinckney Fitzgerald (Jeffrey) and their daughters, May Hall Pinckney Fitzgerald, Rose McDurmont Fitzgerald, and Elizabeth Tilley Fitzgerald.

He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his half-siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Philip's Church or Pompion Hill Chapel 292 Halidon Hill Lane, Huger, SC 29450

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