Joseph "Joe" Leak Pinnix, Jr.

A devoted husband, father, and citizen of Kernersville, Mr. Joseph (Joe) Leak Pinnix Jr. passed away at his home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 79.  He was born May 15, 1946 in Winston-Salem, preceded in death by his parents Joseph Leak Pinnix Sr. and Mary Rachel Remine Pinnix. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca Jo Pinnix Whitaker.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kathryn (Kay) Louise Keys Pinnix; two sons, Joseph Leak Pinnix III (wife Ashley Berrier Pinnix), Robert Bellamy Pinnix (partner Charles Frederic Bello); three grandchildren, Joseph Leak Pinnix IV, Avery Bellamy Pinnix, and Jack Harriss Pinnix-Bello. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Richard Harper Whitaker Jr; and niece, Rebecca Whitaker Harrell (husband Spencer Harrell), and nephew, Richard Harper Whitaker III (wife Sheri Rhodes Whitaker).  

Joe was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, and attended Kernersville School, East Forsyth High School, Emory & Henry University, and Guilford College. He began working at the Pinnix Drug Store in Kernersville at age 15, and again after college graduation until it was closed in 1986. Thereafter, he co-founded Roberts-Pinnix Realty and eventually held the role of Managing Broker for Prudential Carolinas Realty (now Berkshire Hathaway) for over 20 years.   

The extraordinary dedication to ongoing community service was pervasive throughout Joe’s lifetime. He served as Kernersville Alderman for 12 years, receiving the Kernersville Citizen of the Year Award with his wife in 2023. He served as past president and member of the Kernersville Historic Preservation Society, a past president and member of the Novant Health Board of Directors & Founders Society, a member of the Board of Directors for the Paul Ciener Botanical Gardens, the Fireman’s Relief Fund Board, the Korner’s Folly Foundation, and a 32nd Degree Master Mason of 50 years with the Kernersville Masonic Lodge. Lastly, Joe was a strong advocate for the development of the Ivey Redmond Dog Park which opened in 2020, and enjoyed countless walks with both Max & Cody. 

Joe had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and camaraderie. He enjoyed reading and researching topics of interest such as history, sports, and politics. He was an avid sports fan for the Carolina Panthers, the Carolina Hurricanes, and most emphatically the North Carolina Tar Heels. He took joy in preserving Kernersville's history and hearing stories from those who remembered it best. He often chose to visit the grocery store at its busiest times, simply to maximize the opportunity to connect and socialize.  Without question, Joe is currently bestowing his genuine kindness and unfailing service to his eternal family in heaven.  His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his optimism, empathy, and generosity of spirit. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM at Main Street United Methodist Church, 306 S Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284 on Saturday, October 18, 2025. A burial service will follow in the adjacent church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the Commons following the interment.  

In keeping with Joe’s sense of community, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe's name to a non-profit organization that’s meaningful to you.  

Friends and family may sign the guestbook online at www.piercejeffersonfh.com