Leon Joseph “Joe” Pinner Jr. passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, with his two sons by his side. He was born on April 18th, 1935, in Morehead City, NC to Leon Joseph Pinner and Edna Earle Pigott Pinner. Soon after, the family relocated to his hometown of New Bern, NC.

Link to Joe Pinner Obituary

Mr. Pinner is survived by his 2 sons, Michael (Diane) Pinner of Ventura, CA, and Gregory Pinner (Paula) of West Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Allen Pinner (Carmen Hardee), Christopher Pinner (Addie) all of West Columbia, SC, Danica Pinner (Nick Campbell) of Van Nuys, CA, and USMC SSGT Lauren Pinner of Beaufort, SC.; cousin, Bill Sanderson (Diane) of Asheville, NC; brother-in-law, Marvin Deen (Charlene) of Alma, GA, sister-in-law, Cathy Deen Wakenigg (Richard) of Mills River, NC; and many nieces and nephews and a large and loving extended family. In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his dear wife of 65 years, Peggy Deen Pinner.

The longtime anchor was an essential personality who joined WIS-TV just 10 years after the station’s first air date in 1953. Joe Pinner was known for many things, including the award-winning children’s program “Mr. Knozit.” 

Joe began his career in broadcasting at radio stations in New Bern and Morehead City, North Carolina when he was just fifteen years old. After graduating from New Bern High School, he attended the University of North Carolina, and worked at Chapel Hill radio station WCHL. He then returned home to New Bern to continue his broadcasting career. In 1955, Joe joined WMBR-TV/Radio (now WJXT-TV) in Jacksonville, Florida. In 1956 while working at the station, he met Peggy Cecille Deen of Alma, Georgia. Peggy was a singer in “The Alamarettes” and appeared on WJXT’s “The Toby Dowdy Show” in Jacksonville, FL. 

After their marriage, Joe entered the Army for two years. During his service, he was stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, where he managed the Armed Forces Radio station WFJX. During this time, he also worked part time for WNOK-AM Radio. After leaving the Army, Joe, Peggy, and Michael returned to Jacksonville until joining WIS in 1963. After joining the station, he served as an anchor, weatherman, and was a co-host of an afternoon show with various names (Today in Carolina, Carolina Today, and WIS News Midday). After “semi-retiring” in 2000, he officially retired from the station after 55 years of service in 2018.

Joe and Peggy were active members of the Midlands community and were married for 65 years until Peggy’s passing in 2022. They made their home in the Midlands residing in Cayce, Blythewood and West Columbia’s Laurel Crest Community until their passing. They were members of Cayce United Methodist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church, Blythewood, where he performed in the choir.

Joe and Peggy were involved in many activities around the state and nation, receiving awards and recognition for his career and their philanthropy. In 1967, Joe received the national George Foster Peabody Award, hosted by Bob Hope in NYC, for his work on “The Knozit Show”. The longtime TV personality also was given the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, three separate times throughout his life; in 1982 (Gov. Riley), 1993 (Gov. Campbell), and 2001(Gov. Hodges). 

Joe loved Fort Jackson and was made an honorary Colonel of Fort Jackson for his dedication to serving as the “Voice of Fort Jackson”. His voice is the official ‘welcome to the Army’ upon the completion of basic training. He was made Honorary Band Master of the 282nd Army “Victory” Band, and in 2007, named an honorary Drill Sergeant. He was also the Emcee for the opening of the Fort Jackson National Cemetery in 2009. In 2021, he was inducted into the Fort Jackson Hall of Fame.

Joe also received other awards during his illustrious career in local television. He received the Columbia Music Festival Association’s “Lyre Award” for promoting the arts, the 1986 Columbia College Medallion for outstanding service to the college and the community; the 1988 Columbia Advertising Club Person of The Year; and was initiated into Omicron Kappa Delta at Columbia College as an honorary member in 1990. In 1982, he was appointed the “Emperor” of Little Mountain. He also received the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award and the Department of the Army Commanders Award for Public Service.

Joe’s contributions and impact have also been honored by several state organizations. In 1976, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce presented him with the South Carolina Tourism Award for his contribution to the growth and development of the tourism industry in South Carolina. In June 1993, Pinner’s star was added to The Celebrity Walk of Fame in Myrtle Beach, and in July 1993, he was presented the Masters Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, an award that honors individuals for distinguished careers as on-air broadcasters in South Carolina. In 1995, Joe was a finalist in the National “IRIS” Award Competition for children’s programming, and voted “TV Personality for 1999” by readers of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. In January 1997, he received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Palmetto Society of the United Way of the Midlands. In October 1998, he was inducted into the “Diamond Circle” of the USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications, then in November of 1998, he was inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment Hall of Fame. In 2007, Joe was presented the Beach Music Association International South Carolina Media Award for support and promotion of the state’s official music and dance and renowned beach music performing artists, and was given the Toastmasters International Region VIII 2007 Communications and Leadership Award. He also received the 2007 Ambassador of the Year award from the South Carolina Philharmonic. 

Joe served as the Emcee and/or Board member for many charitable organizations such as The Richland Memorial Hospital Children’s Hospital (CMN), SCETV and Public Radio, Girls and Boys Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs, Jamil Shrine Temple, Senior Resources, The State Fair Association, Columbia Music Festival Association, Ambassador to the Honor Flight, Leeza Gibbons Care Connection, Blythewood Cultural Arts Association, South Carolina Safe Kids, Native American Tribes of South Carolina,  Columbia College, First Baptist Church, Columbia. Palmetto Place Children’s & Youth Services, Ronald McDonald House, and many others not listed. 

Joe was also a member of the Media Club, Some Legendary Old Broadcasters (SLOBS), Greater Columbia Community Relations Luncheon Club, Friday the 13th Club, and the Laurel Crest Choir. There were many other awards, achievements, and clubs not listed in his 63 years living here.

The family would like to thank the staff & residents of Laurel Crest Retirement Community, Right at Home Healthcare, Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, and Abbey Road Hospice for their compassionate care. The family would like to especially thank Cessandra Carter with Laurel Crest, and appreciate her loving care of both Joe & Peggy.   

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 1:00-2:45pm in the main sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Columbia, at 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The Celebration of Life Service will follow at 3:00 pm. A private family inurnment will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joe and Peggy Pinner Charitable Fund. Please make checks payable to Schwab Charitable, and include “Pinner” in the Memo line. Mail to the attention of The Pinner Family at 2108 Lazy Pines Drive, West Columbia, South Carolina, 29169. The memorial donations will be distributed among several local Midlands charities that were dear to Joe and Peggy’s hearts.Hide

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