J. Alfred "Al" Pinkerton

1930 - 2022

J. Alfred Pinkerton, 91, born November 5, 1930, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 4, 2022, at Heritage Hall Laurel Meadows, Laurel Fork, Va. His home was in Dugspur, Virginia, where he and his wife, Lois, raised their six children. He pastored Calvary Bible Church and directed Mountain View Bible Camp.

Al was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of five children. Al's parents, George and Lila Pinkerton, served the Lord Jesus Christ, which influenced Al to serve the Lord. During Al's young teen years, his parents saw the church they attended was drifting from teaching the truth of scripture. The family started attending Calvary Independent Church in Lancaster. This vibrant teaching of scripture impacted Al's life and led him to accept Christ as his Savior and the call of God to preach the Gospel. He attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he met his wife, Lois. From there, he attended Faith Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While in seminary, he was the youth pastor at a church in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

In May 1958, he became the second pastor of Calvary Bible Church after Pastor Richard McHenry vacated the position to start Joy Ranch Home for Children in Hillsville. Al and Lois were steadfast servants of the Lord. For the next 43 years, he faithfully pastored the church and directed the camp until his retirement in 2001. After his retirement, he continued to serve in a supportive role to the camp and spoke at various churches as needs arose. He also served for many years on the board of directors for Joy Ranch. During his leadership as pastor and camp director, his craftsmanship skills enabled the building of many of the camp buildings and the present church building. Al had an open heart to the Lord and the many needs in the community. Through his service, he touched many lives to come to a knowledge of salvation in Christ and encouraged many to walk closer to God. As a result, many he ministered to became faithful servants of God in their workplaces, communities, and churches. Many became pastors and missionaries mainly through the ministry of the camp.

In addition to seeing his Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face in Heaven, Al has reunited with his wife of 66 years, Lois Torbet Pinkerton, as well as his parents, George and Lila (Kreider) Pinkerton; his siblings, Gladys Pinkerton, Emory (Ruby) Pinkerton, Jane (Ernest) Arloff, and Betty Howry; and a granddaughter, Melinda Pinkerton.

Al loved to spend time with his children: Susan (Tom) Hilker of Elkhorn, Wis.; Jim (Lois) Pinkerton of Kernersville, N.C.; Steve (Tess) Pinkerton of Bemidji, Minn.; Mark (Bonnie) Pinkerton, of Cedarville, Ohio; Jean (Ed) Lanning of Hillsville, Va.; and Cheryl (Rory) Patterson of Lynchburg, Va. He treasured his 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Al is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ed Howry, Berlin, N.H., and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate his life and ministry will be held at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 2 p.m, with Pastor Brent Carrick officiating. Burial will follow in the Cox Cemetery in Dugspur. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 1 until 2 p.m. before the funeral service.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Heritage Hall Laurel Meadows for their loving and professional care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mountain View Bible Camp; 1000 Double Cabin Road; Dugspur, VA 24325.

Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.