Johnny "Red" Pinkston

Johnny "Red" Ernest Pinkston, 70, of Graham, died Wednesday, July 29, 2009, in Abilene. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gazebo in Newcastle Cemetery.

Mr. Pinkston was born Aug. 17, 1938, in Newcastle to Milton and Ethel (Adams) Pinkston. He attended Graham High School and served in the U.S. Army as a champion boxer. He was employed by Hexcel as a supervisor for many years. He was a volunteer delivery man for Meals on Wheels. He was preceded in death by his parents and children, Johnny Ernest Pinkston Jr. and Vanessa Elaine Pinkston.

Survivors include: his companion, LaDonna Ann Gathings of Graham; three sons, Doug Pinkston and wife Penny of Graham, Tommy Pinkston and wife Sandra of Newcastle and John Coley Pinkston of Wichita Falls; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several cousins.

Memorials may be made in his honor to the local animal shelter.