Family was the center of Wil's heart. He loved all of his family unconditionally. Wil was blessed with two loving sons, Joseph Pinkston and Todd Pinkston (Lance Druba) He loved his three grandchildren immensely. Jerrisa Pinkston, Joseph Pinkston Jr, and Shade´ Pinkston.
He and his significant other, Mary Franzella were together for 25 years. She affectionately called him Boo. He was kind, had the heart of a marshmallow, and they had many adventures together. Their nightly gin games were a time to catch up on one anothers day. Her Boo loved teasing her when he would win by doing a little dance and saying, "A mans gotta do what a mans gotta do"
Wil was sensitive. Not only to his feelings, but to the feelings of everyone he knew. He loved to laugh and lit up any room with his smile.
He enjoyed music, sports, computers, cooking, fishing, and planting a vegetable garden.
He had a large family whom he was close to. Three sisters, Vanessa Frank, (Eddy) Carla Edwards, Roxy Pinkston, and two brothers Alfonso Pinkston and Thomas Jacobs. Wil has many cousins he grew up with and they were always a part of his life. It would be very remiss of me to name them for fear of leaving someone out. Wil was raised by his maternal grandmother and grew up with her children, his Uncle Michael and Aunt Kiyima. They've always kept in contact and he credits his grandmother with his cooking abilities. He had a special relationship with his cousin Trina Pierce. They were more like brother and sister than cousins.
Jerrisa will always remember the time her grandfather rapped "Today was a good day" by Ice Cube in her family's backyard. Wil was an avid 49er fan, as was his dad and his son. Yet, his grandson is a Patriots fan! They had lots of fun going back and forth about their respective teams, especially when they played against one another. We were sitting in the yard one afternoon and his grandson face timed him. He asked, grandpa, what's that garbage behind you? As Wil looked over his shoulder, he quizzically asked, garbage? What are you talking about? Then he saw his 49er banner. The rivalry was on! He was also a Warriors fan and enjoyed boxing.
Wil was also very particular about his cooking, Shadé his granddaughter, will always remember him continuously reminding her "the meats gotta be tendddda" with the savory smell of his homecooked recipes in the background. As well as the unmatched taste of Wil's delicious seafood boil/gumbo.
Prior to his retirement, Wil was a technician for 3M.
We know there's a party in heaven with Wil, his dad, along with other family members and friends who went before him. He always said he didn't want people being dramatic, standing around crying and being sad. He wanted his loved ones to celebrate his life and to go on with their lives and be happy.
We won't see him, but he will always be beside us, loved and missed.
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