SESSER – Roy Weldon Pinkston Jr., of Sesser, Illinois, passed away January 11, 2025, at the VA Hospital, Community Living Center (CLC) in Marion, Illinois. Roy was born March 24, 1947, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to the late Roy Weldon Pinkston Sr. and Frances (Sheley) Pinkston. Roy married Patricia G. (Walker) Pinkston on March 24, 1972.
Along with his wife, Pat, of 52 years, Roy is survived by daughter-in-law, Debbie Pinkston of Benton, IL; sister-in-law, Sandra Pinkston of Mt. Vernon, IL; Steve Pinkston of Missouri; and brother-in-law, Charles and wife, Diann, Walker of Tallapoosa, GA.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John Pinkston; sister, Cheryl Walton; and his beloved son, Roy Weldon Pinkston III.
Roy proudly served his county in the U.S. Navy from 1965 – 1975 as a Radioman, Fleet High Speed Code Operator, and teletype repair. After the Navy, Roy worked for Mt. Vernon Neon as a neon tube binder. And later served the City of Sesser as a police officer, firefighter, and Chief of Police, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, with Brother Mark Wells officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
The family would like to thank the incredible staff at the Marion VA hospital and especially the hospice care staff of the CLC.
