Dennie Ray Pinkerton, 71, of Howey in the Hills, FL died at his residence on March 5, 2008 of natural causes under the care of Hospice.
A native of Willa Branch, WVA and a local resident since 2002, when he moved here from Lincolnton, NC; he was a retired security officer for Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA; a protestant and a US Navy veteran of the Korean War.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte of Howey in the Hills, FL; two sons, Steven R. Kelly and wife, Linda of Brighton, MI and Dennie R. Pinkerton Jr. of Clermont, FL; 2 daughters, Diana Lynn Pinkerton of Roanoke, VA and Andelena Pinkerton of South Portland, ME; four brothers; Cletis Pinkerton and wife, Muriel of Easton, MD; Joey Pinkerton and wife, Debbie of Ferrum, VA; Jerry Pinkerton and his wife, Charlene and Ronnie Pinkerton and his wife, Peggy, all of Cedar Bluff, VA; two sisters, Linda Crosier and her husband, Jack of Matthews, NC and Peggy Greer and her husband, Roy of Ferrum, VA and nine grandchildren.
Visitation is 2:00 till 3:30 PM at the Community Church of Howey in the Hills, 420 North Palm Avenue, Howey in the Hills, FL 34737 on Monday afternoon, March 10, 2008 with a service at 3:30 PM, at the church being conducted by Dr. Kenneth Folmsbee. Graveside services are 12:30 PM, Thursday afternoon, March 13, 2008 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 will full military honors by Marion County Memorial Honors Team.
VETERANS FUNERAL CARE 1-800-467-7850
Charlotte, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My Prayers are with you.
Charlotte and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Sue
If Friendship and love have anything to do with sustaining Eternal life, then the angels in heaven have gathered around to welcome Dennie home.I will miss one of the greatest friends I have ever had. I’m sure he’s up there looking out for the ones he loved. We will miss him.
Are deepest symathy from are hearts ,you will be missed so much. You are in good hands with the Lord taking care of you now. May God Bless You.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Uncle Dennie. We will continue to keep the family in our prayers.
Charlotte,
We were so sorry to hear about Dennie. Please know that you and the children are in our prayers.
We love ya.
Charlotte,
Just know that we love you and are praying for you during this very difficult time. Love to you and the kids.
Uncle Roy and Aunt Ruth
I have had the pleasure of knowing Charlotte and Dennie for the past four years. Mr. Dennie was my friend and I will miss him! I am grateful that he is not suffering anymore, but I will miss him. Ms. Charlotte knows that I’m here for her and she is in my prayers. I pray for God’s perfect peace to be with her and her entire family as their hearts heal. Charlotte’s strong faith in the Lord assures her she will see her sweetheart again. The last thing that Mr. Dennie told me to do was to “Be Good”, so I will do my best. Love you Mr. Dennie.
Charlotte, My prayers are with you and your family. They have been since Dennie was first diagnosed. I have admired how you have taken such good care of him and how strong you have been through it all. Now is the time to let those that care about you take care of you. If there is anything I can do, just ask. God Bless, Bettie
A good friend who will never be forgotten.
Charlotte, I want to thank you for the love and care that you gave to Dennie.He was a good man and this nephew will miss him very much. I always enjoyed our talks on the phone through good and bad times in both of our lives. Rest easy partner. You will never be forgotten. love Tim
God created you to bring laughter to many and i am sure you are entertaining the angels in heaven, we will surely miss you.
Love Ronnie and Peggy
Uncle Dennie: You will be missed, heaven has gained an awesome angel.
Love, Scott
Charlotte, thank you for calling to tell us about Denny. We have not seen him for years, but Richard has many fond memories. Richard and Denny grew up together in Willis Branch, WV. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Uncle Dennie: You were one of the greats, awesome person, great uncle, and will be missed.
Love, Jacky and Russell
First of all I would like to express my sincere condolences to my Aunt Charlotte and all of Uncle Dennie’s family and friends.
You always encouraged and praised me helping me to develop and to work out what I should do and were I should go. He opened many doors for me and if it was not for his guidance and encouragement I would not have achieved anything like what I have achieved in my life.
You will be truly missed by all of us. May the angels of heaven greet you with open arms and my husband greet you with his gentle smile and strong embrase.
â??You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.â??
A poem by
David Harkins
dear charlotte! i am very sorry to hear about your loved one,dannie.i don’t know what to say. i know you did everything for him. may the Lord comfort you and shine upon you..love kay
Denny is my cousin and we grew up together in WV. I have not seen Denny for years. We know that he is in a better place than we are and free from all suffering. May God Bless you and all your family. Patty Foster Buck
To His Brothers and Sisters:
As my mind travels back over the 41 years we were together I will never forget all the things he did for me and and so many others. He loved his family very much and wanted to talked you every day. When his voice was weak and he had no breath, I became his voice. He would smile and wisper into the phone I love you. It made him happy just hearing your voices. I would like to thank you and your children for calling him and sending the many cards. He loved you all very much. I loved him and I will miss him very much. His wife, Charlotte
To: Charlotte and children and all of Dennie’s brothers, sisters and families. I finally reunited with Dennie and his siblings after many years. Dennie is a cousin of mine. Throughout the years, we have all lost track of family and I am so thankful that I took the time after many years of losing contact to find my Pinkerton side of the family. It was a pleasure reuniting with everyone and I don’t want to lose that contact again. At a time like this, it makes one realize the importence of family ties. I will miss Dennie and our long talks of geneology and our earlier years of growing up and most of all getting to know him again. I know he is in a better place and may he rest at peace. Many thanks to Charlotte who really stood by him and seen him through it all. May God bless each and every one of you. Rest at peace Dennie. You will be sadly missed. Love, Sue Bergeron and family
To all family: I regret that we have lost contact throuhout the years. Dennie is a cousin of ours. Even though we have not been in touch for many years, we have many fond memories of our earlier years. You are gone but not forgotten. May you rest in peace and our condolences goes out to all family members and friends. Gayle Bishop Millersport, Ohio. Pat Cantley, Charleston, West Virginia. Alice May, Elkview, West Virginia. Carl Bishop Junior, Moneta, Virginia
I was younger than Dennie but I always liked him, his mom anddad I was around more, and Linda. I know he will be missed a lot.
cousin Stephen and Drucilla foster
Brother, May you rest in peace,take care of mama and dad.
Charlotte and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your lost. The Angels could not wait any longer. I feel good knowing that I met such a wonderful person before he left us. I will remember him for the rest of my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am here if you need me. Lisa
Dear Family,
I am sorry to hear of Denny passing away.
I was born in Milburn and went to school at Kingston through the ninth grade.
Frances Hicks Holdern sent me the obit.
May God give each of you strength and comfort and always know your friends care.
Love to all
Betty and Family
If you need anything don’t hesitate
to ask.
With Heart Felt Sympathy. Praying for you.
Dear Charlotte and family,
We send you our love, thoughts and
prayers.May God bless and keep you in his care. We have many special
memories of Milburn, the Pinkertons
and the Trents.
All our love,
Katie and Alvin Ray
Dennie will be missed. Our prayers go out to his wife, Charlotte, and family.
After reading about Denny’s illness in the Pax Regional Newsletter last year, I got in touch with him. We attended grade school together in Pax, West Virginia many years ago, and saw each other periodically after his family moved to Kingston. We had not been in contact for more than 40 years and it was so nice to get caught up. My heart was warmed as he told me about his family. He was so proud of his children and their accomplishments and encuraged them to live life to its fullest. I think the thing he was proudest of was Charlotte becoming a nurse and her accomplshments. He was a good listener too and let me brag a little about my family. My six-year-old grandson shares his birthday of February 3. The best conversations we had were when we talked about our belief in the Bible and love for the Lord. He worked with my brother Johnny in the 60s, and they are probably up there in heaven with strong, healthy bodies working together with our Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlotte and the rest of his family.
Your Friend, Carolyn
Jim and I had the priviledge of being a next door neighbor to Dennie and Charlotte. They became our neighbors in August 2002. Jesus said “Love your neighbor as yourself”, and that is the relationship we had with Dennie and will continue with Charlotte and Dennie, Jr. Dennie’s character spoke volumes in his actions, not always in lots of words. In things like coming home from work and finding our lawn had been mowed by Dennie, many times. Needing a tool to fix or repair, Dennie willingly shared. His wood craftsmanship shared with our grandson Jeron when he helped Jeron make a wood treasure box that he gave to his Mom. I treasure the times that the doorbell rang and there was Charlotte with a question,”Dennie wants to know if you have anything sweet baked?”, and we had the opportunity to sweeten Dennie’s day. We reflect on 2004 when we had a stormy year and the trees between our houses became a concern for us two neighbors…well, we called a friend who came to help get them cut down…Charlotte asked another neighbor for help with the tractor…and down came the trees..we shared the expense and God in His awesome power protected our neighborhood from back to back hurricanes! Loving our neighbor brought love back into our lives from our friend and neighbor Dennie. You fought a good fight of faith and we’ll miss you! Charlotte and family we love you and our prayers are that God will comfort your hearts with His peace and love.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Uncle Dennie,
We have been deeply saddened by your loss and you will be missed by our family. We have had the opportunity to be closer to you and Charlotte over the last decade or so and I truly treasure that. It was wonderful to see you in January and we’ll never forget you. Charlotte, be strong and take special care of yourself as that is the way Uncle Dennie would want it, but know there is always someone there for you. Rest in peace, you deserve. We love you Uncle Dennie.
Charlotte, Dennie is comfortable now . We will miss him , but never forget . We’ll see you when you’re ready .. Jeff
didnt get to c u that much but i loved the times that i did get to u made a big impact in my life i will never forget u!! LOVE ya u will b missed
Uncle Dennie,
We enjoyed seeing you in January in Easton. It’s not usual for Alyssa to talk to, or warm up to someone new, but she did you. I’m sorry she will not get to know that you’re a great uncle. Rest in peace. Love, Jeremy and Alyssa
Dear Papaw,
Though this is all very hard to take in and accept, there’s a smile on my heart because I know you are no longer suffering. I cannot tell you how much I love you and how much I’m going to miss you. I’m happy I got to spend part of Christmas with you and will forever hold a special place for you in my heart. I pray that the decisions I make will make you proud; Heaven has gained a most amazing angel.
My Brother Dennie:
As children we were always together. We were 13 months apart and as we grew we were about the same size. Our friendship endured many years and stored a lot of good memories. Over the 71 years of his life we played, worked and laughed together.
In the 90’s we moved next door to each other. Dennie was a very skilled man; he could fix anthing in a home or on a car. I was more of a business person and hands on projects were a problem for me to master. As for Dennie no task was to big for him.
During the next ten years he taught me many things, including how to build a house. I knew very little about carpentry, but in a short time with his guidance I became a skilled helper. If I measured and cut a board wrong he just laughed and said try again. When we finished one project we started another. I had never worked on cars or homes, but at the end of the tens years I was very handy.
When we moved to Gastonia we spent many hours together. We often drove to Virginia to see our Mother. While traveling in the car our conversations were often about the past, future and things we wanted to do together.
In 1999 he was operated on for throat cancer. He never felt sorry for himself or complained. I remember how strong he was and the long fight be began to control his disease. After a year he regained his strenght and once again began working on projects around the house.
Even when we were apart we talked on the phone several times a day. At the end of our conversation he would tell me how much he loved me. We had a bond that was so strong that even in death I can still feel his love pouring out over me like a conforting cool rain on a hot summer day. I loved him and will always be able to bring him back in my heart, because he is imprinted there forever. Love Cletis
My Brother-in-Law Dennie
He often made me laugh. From the time I married Cletis he called me 12 pint. I guess it was because I was shorter than he was. His wife,Charlotte, Cletis and I made many trips together to the beach, out to dinner and shopping. During these trips we talked about how he and Cletis wrecked each others cars and their terms in the armed services. During that time they were arpart, but never forgotten. I think back on the years he was in my life and I smile. He brought a spark of enduring love, laughter and insight into my life that impacted my life for ever.
After he moved to Florida in 2002 we often talked on the phone. I remember him asking if I had gotten any taller. He would tell me he hadn’t changed, ugly stays forever. I will always remember him and think of him as a brother.
I loved him and I will miss him:
Love Muriel
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. If you need anything feel free to give me a call. Love, Chrisia – Howey In the Hills Post Office
In the past year Dennie’s health has taken many different paths. During this time his family supported him. They called every day, sent cards and flowers. Although he was very sick a simple call from the people he loved so much lifted him up. I believe that was the number one reason he endure so much pain and worked harder to get better.
Their support did not stop after his death. They traveled many miles to attend his funeral and comfort me and my children. The family members that were unable to make the long journey to Florida supported me by calling, sending flowers and fruit baskets. I love you all for carring so much. A special thanks to Cletis and his wife Muriel, Jerry and his wife Charlene, Linda, and Peggy for making the long trip to Florida. Your love for Dennie is shinning like a bright light.
Love Charlotte
Dear Charlotte,
Thanks for all your labors, love and self scarificing service in the way you took such good care of Dennie during his battle with his illness. As we had an opportunity to visit two years ago, when Dennie was so very ill. I remenber the long hours you spent preparing special foods and drinks to nourish him to help him regain his strength. I remenber the funny faces Dennie would make about some of the foods you had prepared for him. Dennie had such a way of making people laugth and finding humor an any situation. But he would always eat it knowing that you where doing what was best for him. And of course who could forget that wild ride from the airport, with Dennie driving we where all concerned as to whether we would make it or not. But that was just one example of Dennie’s concern for others even when he did not feel well him self. He insisted on picking us up from the airport. Jerry will certainly miss the talks they have had and all the old war stories they shared. Dennie will be missed but certainly not forgotten. Though miles apart our love for him and his for us will always be cherished. I love you “BRO” Jerry and Charlene
Charlotte, We would like to express our deepest sympathies for you and your family. If you need anything, please let us know.
God Bless.
My Father:
I had a special relationship with my Father, not only was he my Dad he was my best friend. His love was unconditional and never ending.
It takes a special person to understand all the challenges and heartache we face in life. No matter how tough things were or how difficult the problem he was there to lend a hand. He had a gift of evaluating a problem and coming up with a solution.
His support gave me the promise that tomorrow will be a better day. He molded me into the man I am today. He stood tall and faced many obstacles, but was able to over come them all. I celebrate his life and the love he showed us all. He was a great Father and I will miss him.
Love your son Dennie Jr.
To tha familey of Denny Ray I set here and think of the good times we had at ferrum and the time we shared with Denny. I am saddned that he is gone but glad that he is at home with with jesus and in no more pain.He will be missed.Charlett my thoughts and prayers go out to you and the childern.I remember showing up at the house and how happy they were. Sorry we did not keep in touch as close as we should have.If you or any of the familey needs anything up this way just give me a call
with all my love
Big “G”
George told me that Dennie had died I could not believe it. It was Dennie that got George and I together and we have been together for 28 years. When people move to new areas we do not always keep in touch, but it does not mean that we forget people that were inportaint in a part of our lives. Dennie and Charlote have a special place in my heart. You will be in our thought and prayers and I am sure that one day we will meet again in heaven. I know this is hard on the family. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My brother Dennie:
Going to Florida for my brothers funeral was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
Dennie and I lived near each other for 15 years. During that time we became very close. When he moved to Georgia we kept in tough by phone.
During his long illness he never once complained. He was very strong and endured much more than any one I know.
I loved him very much and although I will miss him I know he is in heaven.
Love Peggy
Charlotte
It has been such a honor to know you and Dennie. It is hard to find couples that are as loving and as strong as the two of you have been. I know you are going to miss Dennie more than I know;but if you need ANYTHING just call me–just to talk. You took such wonderful care of Dennie–the LOVE just shined through! You and your family are in my heart and prayers. I hope you realize how much I respect YOU. I thank you for your friendship since I came to endo. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU Carolyn Douglas 978-9319
Dear Charlotte and children: My heart is sad over the death of your husband and father of your children. I have watched you give loving care to Denny and I know your heart is breaking at your loss. I know that God has prepared a mansion for Denny and you will be there one day to share this beautiful place with him and all of your family. How wonderful it is that there are no more tears, pain only joy and happiness. Love Rosemarie
He’s in a better place right now, than he’s ever been before; All pain is gone; he’s now at rest; Nothing troubles him anymore. We know we’ll reconnect with him at the end of each life’s road; We’ll see his cherished face again When we release our earthly load. My deepest sympathy to Dennie his family. I didn’t get a chance to meet your dad, but I always enjoyed listening of the wonderful memories you shared with him. I will keep you and your mom in my prayers. I send many blessings to you. Remember I’m just a call away. Love your friend, Sonya :
Charlotte,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss, although it may feel like eternity till you meet again, rest assured, you WILL meet again. Until then, may God give you peace.
Love,
Marti
Charlotte,
I am just heartbroken for your loss. If there is anything I can do, you know you can always ask.
God Bless you and your family.
Love your friend, Barb
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Many Prayers will be said for you and your family.
With Love Norma
May God comfort you during this time of the loss of your loved one.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Charlotte,
may your beacon of light shine through Dennie’s love!!! you had more faith than anyone I know! Jackie
Charlotte,
We thank god for the time we had in getting to know you and Dennie.It is a blessing to us to have you in our lives . To us it felt as though we have always know the both of you our entire lives. We are so happy Dennie and Steve were able to reunite after all the years and make it seem as if he never was ever gone. I know it was your care for Dennie that kept him well enough and made those last few years possible, so we thank you. We know all his pain is gone and he is at peace now. So charlotte, our thoughts and prayers are for you now . Please pass on our heartfelt sympathy to the all the family.
dear charlotte sorry for your lost and may God bless you.
Monica Nunn
Charlotte, you and your family are still in my prayers. Your strength through God will continue to keep you strong for the journey life is now taking you on and only God can continue to lift you up daily.Your faith will continue to get you through this. Life is hard and if you need to talk I will be here for you. Your love for Dennie has keep you going and it shows. Love and prayers. Linda
He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.Having Dennie Pinkerton for my father was a true gift from god, Dad was always loving and understanding, growing up as his daughter I was loved and treated kindly by him. I miss you very much Dad and think about you everyday.
Miss and love you Uncle Dennie