Billy B. Pinkerton

Billy B. Pinkerton, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud Texan, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born in Midlothian, Texas, Bill was the son of Ruth and Odell Pinkerton. He was a man of deep faith, strong character, and unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his work. He shared 60 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mary Alice Pinkerton.

In addition to his wife, Mary Alice, Bill is also survived by his son, Christopher Pinkerton (Rebecca) of Augusta, GA; two granddaughters, Katherine Richardson (Alex) of Dacula, GA, and Allison Pinkerton of Augusta, GA; and two brothers, Harold Pinkerton (Marcia) of Fort Worth, TX and Gary Pinkerton (Dana) of Dallas, TX. He also leaves behind a cherished extended family, including nieces and nephews.

A gifted student and natural leader, Bill graduated as Valedictorian from Grandview High School in Grandview, Texas, in 1957. During his high school years, he excelled as a running back on the football team, served as an officer in the statewide FFA, and was an active member of the Literary Debate Team.

He continued his education at Arlington State College, graduating with honors in 1961 with a Baccalaureate degree in English. While there, he was a member of the ROTC Rifle Drill Team known as “The Jodies,” proudly marching in the 1960 Rose Bowl Parade. He also participated in intramural sports, sang in a college quartet, and served as a Resident Advisor in the ROTC dormitory.

Upon graduation, Bill received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. His distinguished military career included service in Germany, where he commanded Checkpoint Charlie at the Berlin Wall and coordinated military operations during President John F. Kennedy’s historic visit to Berlin in 1963. He later served as Public Affairs Officer for the Third Army Headquarters and as a speechwriter for General Truman.

In 1968, Bill served in Vietnam, headquartered in Saigon. Following his service, he earned a Master’s degree in Criminology and Corrections from Sam Houston State University in 1970, where he authored a thesis on the National Data Bank for Criminal Justice.

Bill continued his military career with notable assignments including commanding the stockade at Fort Hood, Texas; serving as Deputy Commander of CID Headquarters in Seoul, Korea; and working as Associate Professor of Military Science in the ROTC program at Rice University, where he developed the University’s first winning rifle team and enhanced curriculum in military law and logistics.

From 1977 to 1987, he was stationed at Fort McClellan, serving in Military Police Headquarters. During this time, he chaired the committee that produced the 39th Anniversary Military Police Corps publication highlighting the Military Police Code of Ethics, and collaborated on counterterrorism training initiatives.

During his years in Jacksonville, Alabama, Bill was also a dedicated civic leader and community servant. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, where he served as President, and contributed his leadership as chairman of the Alabama Junior Miss Pageant. He was well known as the voice of the Jacksonville High School Golden Eagle Band and was actively involved in every aspect of the Jacksonville First United Methodist Church, reflecting his deep commitment to faith and community.

After retiring from the Army, Bill began a second career with New York Life, working in insurance and investments from 1981 to 1988. He later dedicated many years to serving others as a counselor and medical coordinator at Augusta State Medical Prison, retiring in 2008.

Bill will be remembered as a loving and devoted family man, a caretaker, a devout Christian, and truly an officer and a gentleman. His strong moral compass, tireless work ethic, and deep love of God and country defined his life.

A service to honor and celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors on Davis Road. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service with military honors at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Louisville City Cemetery in Louisville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Tunnel 2 Towers at T2T.org in Bill’s loving memory.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com