Beloved South Carolina TV Icon Joe Pinner Passes Away at 89

Summary

In a heartfelt farewell, the South Carolina community mourns the passing of Joe Pinner, a beloved television figure whose vibrant spirit illuminated screens for over six decades. The acclaimed broadcaster, who graced the airwaves as the face behind the iconic “Mr. Knozit Show,” peacefully departed this weekend at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving sons, Michael and Gregg. His family shared this poignant news during a Sunday evening tribute on WIS-TV, the station that witnessed the blossoming of his illustrious career. With a voice as warm as the sun on a summer day, Pinner captivated audiences with his infectious joyfulness, as articulated with deep emotion by longtime WIS anchor Judi Gatson. “His joyfulness was so contagious,” she said, honoring a man whose laughter echoed through the homes of many. Known affectionately throughout South Carolina, Pinner’s legacy was solidified when he received the prestigious Order of the Palmetto, a testament to his indelible impact on the community, granted by three different governors. A prolific figure in the pre-digital era, where information flowed through television like a river, his wisdom shone especially bright during tumultuous times like winter storms. Former Columbia Mayor Bob Coble reminisced, “He truly epitomized the whole community. If you knew him, you loved him,” encapsulating the affection South Carolinians held for Pinner. As Columbia’s Mayor Daniel Rickenmann poignantly noted, “He will be missed by many, however, he will always be in the hearts and minds of generations of South Carolinians.” The voices of the past rang in unison, reflecting on a man who served not just as an entertainer but as a cherished neighbor and friend. Pinner’s career, a rich tapestry woven from threads of dedication and passion, began at a mere 15 years old, working in radio stations in his native North Carolina. His journey led him through various roles, including a weatherman and a beloved master of ceremonies on the children’s variety show, “The Knozit Show,” which became a staple on WIS for 37 glorious years and was honored with a coveted Peabody award in 1967. Even as he retired from the news station in 2018, after an impressive 55 years, his presence lingered on like the sweet scent of a fading flower. Beyond the screen, Pinner was a familiar face at state fairs, local events, and community gatherings, expertly weaving stories that brought folks together. Now, as Pinner joins the array of stars that twinkle above, he leaves behind a rich legacy preserved in the hearts of his family: his two sons, daughters-in-law, and cherished grandchildren. His late wife, Peggy, who walked by his side for 65 years, had passed 2022; yet their love story resonates through the lives they touched. As the winds whisper tales of the past, Pinner’s joyful spirit and charming smile will forever remain etched into the fabric of South Carolina’s history, leaving us to remember him not just as a figure on our screens but as a beloved part of our shared journey through life.

Original Source: www.thestate.com