Gary Bruce Pinkston

Gary Bruce Pinkston passed away peacefully on November 8, 2022 at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital surrounded by his loving family following an eight day fight to overcome a cerebral hemorrhage. Born on December 14, 1947 to Bruce Franklin Pinkston, Jr. and Edna Messick Pinkston in Salisbury, NC, he graduated from West Rowan High School in 1966 and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1970. He served in the United States Army at Fort Reilly, Kansas as an intelligence officer from 1970 to 1972. In 1972, he began his fifty-year career at Desco, Inc., headquartered in Salisbury, NC. Like most employees at Desco, he began his work in the warehouse and worked his way up through counter sales, inside sales, and outside sales. He also played a vital role in opening and ensuring the success of two new Desco branches. The first branch was opened in Albemarle, NC, where he served as the branch manager for over ten years. The second location was opened in Mooresville, NC, where he served as the branch manager for at least twenty years. Due to his unwavering commitment to the success of Desco and its employees, Gary was elected to the Board of Directors. His voice and continued commitment led to continual growth and success of the company, which is still evident today. In 2003, he was elected as the company President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Throughout his entire career, he worked tirelessly for the benefit of employees and shareholders. He always considered the people of Desco part of his family, having meaningful relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and shareholders. He never asked anything of his employees that he was not willing or able to do himself. Gary never retired and insisted on doing his part as long as he lived. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and friends. He was an avid golfer and gardener. He enjoyed reading and, especially, finding recipes. He was happiest while cooking for family or friends. As a collector of classic cars, he enjoyed going to car shows nearby. He was a dedicated Tar Heel fan and rarely missed a game. Generous, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, Gary cherished his family and friends, finding the best in people and opportunities to help others. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and served as an usher. Gary is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Betty Wise Pinkston; daughter, Ashley Pinkston Marcum; daughter-in-law, Sabrina Gicola Pinkston; grandchildren, Cecile and Gabby Marcum, Sal and Ellie Pinkston; sisters, Judy Summit and Gail McDaniel; nephew, Jason McDaniel and nieces, Lynn Summit, Sonya Rosa and Karen McDaniel. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Vernon Christopher Pinkston; and son-in-law Charles William (Bill) Marcum. Arrangements: A funeral service will be held Monday, November 14, 2022, at 3:00 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church Benevolent Fund at 200 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 or The Arbor Church at 5545 Woodleaf Road, Salisbury, NC 28147. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Pinkston family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Gary Bruce Pinkston

December 14, 1947 - November 8, 2022