WIS pays tribute to the life of legendary “Papa” Joe Pinner following his death at the age of 88

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – The Pinner family announced Sunday afternoon the death of legendary WIS personality Joe Pinner at the age of 89.

A statement released by the family said:

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Joe Pinner, at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully this weekend surrounded by his sons Michael and Gregg.

He leaves behind his two sons, his two beloved daughters-in-law Diane (Michael) and Paula (Gregg), his cherished grandchildren Allen (Carmen), Christopher (Addie), Danica (Nick) and Lauren.”

The long-serving presenter was a major figure, joining WIS just 10 years after the station first went on air. Pinner was known for many things, including the award-winning children's program Mr. Knozit.

A legendary career

Pinner began his broadcasting career at age fifteen at radio stations in New Bern and Morehead City, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, Pinner attended the University of North Carolina and worked at radio station WCHL in Chapel Hill. He then returned to New Bern to continue his broadcasting career.

In 1955, Pinner started at WMBR-TV/radio (now WJXT-TV) in Jacksonville, Florida. He joined 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. After leaving the Army, Pinner returned to Jacksonville until he joined WIS in 1963.

After joining the station, Pinner served as an anchor, weatherman and co-anchor for WIS News Midday. He retired in 2018 after 55 years.

Joe and his wife Peggy were active members of the community and were married for 65 years until Peggy's passing in 2022. The two met in 1956 when Peggy was a singer with the Alamarettes and performed on WJXT in Jacksonville, FL. Joe was working on the station's live programming at the time.

Pinner has been involved in many activities throughout the state and country. Pinner has served as the Narrator and Master of Ceremonies for the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra's Youth Concerts and has served on the Philharmonic's Advisory Board. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Weatherboards, Voice of AGAPE, Statewide Integrated Services for Senior Citizens, South Carolina Safe Kids, Blythewood Cultural Arts Association, and is an ambassador for Honor Flight SC.

Pinner was also a member of the Media Club, Some Legendary Old Broadcasters (SLOBS), the Greater Columbia Community Relations Luncheon Club, the Friday the 13th Club, and the choir of Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood.

A man with many honours

Joe Pinner has won numerous awards throughout his career. In 1967, Pinner received the national George Foster Peabody Award for his work on The Knozit Show. The longtime television star was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, three times during his lifetime: in 1982 (11 years after its inception), 1993, and 2001.

Pinner also received several awards during his illustrious career in local television. The longtime host received the Columbia Music Festival Association's Lyre Award for promotion of the arts, the 1986 Columbia College Medallion for outstanding service to the college and the community, the 1988 Columbia Advertising Club's Person of the Year award, and was inducted as an honorary member of Omicron Kappa Delta at Columbia College in 1990. He was named the “Emperor” of Little Mountain in 1982. Pinner also received the Rotary Club's Paul Harris Award and the Department of the Army Commanders Award for public service.

Pinner's contributions and impact have also been recognized by several state organizations. In 1976, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce presented him with the South Carolina Tourism Award for his contributions 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 received the South Carolina Broadcasters Association's Masters Award, an award honoring individuals for outstanding careers as on-air commentators in South Carolina.

In 1995, Pinner was a finalist in the national “IRIS” awards competition for children's programming and was voted “TV Personality of the Year 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, Pinner was inducted into the Diamond Circle of the USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and in November 1998, he was inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment Hall of Fame.

In 2001, Pinner was named Honorary Colonel of Fort Jackson and Honorary Bandmaster of the 282nd Army's Victory Band, and in 2007, he was named Honorary Instructor.

In 2007, Pinner received the Beach Music Association International South Carolina Media Award for supporting and promoting the state's official music and dance scene and renowned beach music artists and the Toastmasters International Region VIII 2007 Communications and Leadership Award. Pinner was also named the South Carolina Philharmonic's 2007 Ambassador of the Year.

A celebration of life

People across the country share their thoughts and memories of the legendary personality.

NBC anchor Craig Melvin pays tribute to Joe Pinner. Melvin worked as an anchor and reporter for WIS from 2001 to 2008.

South Carolina native and well-known media personality Leeza Gibbons, best known as a correspondent and co-host for Entertainment Tonight and her syndicated daytime talk show, Leeza, also paid her respects to the Carolina icon.

Governor Henry McMaster paid tribute to Pinner in a statement:

Pinner leaves behind his two sons Michael and Gregg, his two beloved daughters-in-law Diane and Paula, and his grandchildren Allen, Christopher, Danica and Lauren.”

According to the family, a memorial service will take place in early November.

The family says in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joe and Peggy Pinner Charitable Fund.

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