Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Bill Pinkney
1935 - 2023
Bill Pinkney
1935 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1935
DIED
2023
Bill Pinkney Obituary
Bill Pinkney was the first Black sailor to make a solo circumnavigation of the globe via the notoriously difficult southern route, around the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn.
We invite you to share condolences for Bill Pinkney in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
(Photo: AP Photo/The Record-Journal, Chris French)
14 Entries
Cynthia J Smith
September 24, 2024
My name is Cynthia Smith. I participated in Captain Bill´s second voyage. Retracing the Middle Passage. I was on the ship "The Sortilege" with the Captain, the crew and several teachers for 4 weeks. There were good times and many challenges. It was a big challenge when the impeller on the boat decided to stop working. We had to be towed into Ghana by a tugboat. It was a blessing that it was only a short distance. Every challenge we encountered Captain Bill always put the people on board first. Captain Bill loved sailing. It was peaceful and calming to him when he was sailing. My knowledge of sailing was very limited. He was very good at explaining things. Thank you Captain Bill for the opportunity of a lifetime.
DrJoseph E Cater, III
September 22, 2024
Captain Pinkney came to Annapolis, MD to speak at the Eastport Yacht Club. I arranged to drive him from Dulles Airport to Eastport Annapolis, MD. In that 1 hour ride, he shared with me some invaluable insights about persistence, determination, and never giving in. He stood as man above men. It was a true honor to have shared the ride with him. Dr. Joseph E. Cater, III
Elizabeth Waller
September 11, 2024
Very sadly, I learned today that we have lost Captain Bill Pinkney. Bill was an extraordinary person with a wonderful sense of humor, high energy, and a rare bravery. The Chicago Maritime Society had the good fortune to have Bill add his thoughts and cheer to the mix, and I spoke with Bill only a few years ago when he was in Puerto Rico. I feel truly privileged to have known him at all.
My heartfelt condolences to Ina and his family.
God bless you and your intrepid spirit, Bill.
With deepest sympathy, Elizabeth Waller
Tony
January 26, 2024
Please accept my sincere condolences to the Pinkney family, many, many friends, and fans for your beloved Mr. Bill Pinkney. Mr. Bill Pinkney was the first Black sailor to make a solo circumnavigation of the globe via the notoriously difficult southern route, around the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn. Captain Bill Pinkney a wonderful life in sailing around the world as a great sailor. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with Mr. Bill Pinkney. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Mr. Bill Pinkney. He had a tremendous career and accomplishment.
How you can show support
Thomas
December 16, 2023
Living in Four Seasons. RIP. I know him as a nice man.
Zelyne Rudolph
December 12, 2023
Eugene Rudolph and I, Zelyne Rudolph, were sailors with the Black Boaters Summit from 1999-2009 (est.). That's where we met Bill Pinkney. Eugene was a master sailor and we took to Bill immediately. I want to do a remembrance of him for Cultural Alliance of the Pass Black History Program here in Banning, CA. RIP
Vee Alex
September 27, 2023
I wish I had met you
R.I.P. hopefully the Lord has you sailing around Heaven watching over us
Thank you JA
Cynthia J Smith
September 12, 2023
Captain Bill you will truly be missed. Thank you so much for the opportunity and experience of retracing the Middle Passage on your second voyage in 1999. Sailing on the Atlantic Ocean for 4 weeks with you and your staff was amazing. Rest in Heaven Captain Bill.
Wilfredo Rodriguez
September 7, 2023
My condolences to bill family and may god keep you sailing in heaven you will be missed Kiko
RR
September 6, 2023
A pioneer and trailblazer, his determination and courage opened doors for many to follow after him. Sincere condolences to the Pinkney family, May God be with you as you endure this most difficult time of your loss.
Lynn
September 6, 2023
To the family, and many friends of Mr. Pinkney, I offer my sincere condolences. Grief is very difficult, but our special memories will help through your loss. May the God of all comfort, comfort us in all our trials.
Mr JR.
September 6, 2023
My condolences.
Elizabeth Bell
September 5, 2023
R.I.P. Mr.Bill
Chris
September 5, 2023
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Bill Pinkney. May the God of all comfort be with your family during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Bill Pinkney's name
How to support Bill's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bill Pinkney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more