Willie Pinckney, 98, of Meriden, CT, gained his Wings on November 16, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Willie Pinckney 98, of Meriden, Connecticut, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025. He was born on July 13, 1927, in Sumter, South Carolina, to the late Marion B. Pinckney Sr. and Elizabeth (Singleton) Pinckney.

Willie graduated from St. Michael's High School and began his career working at Shaw Air Force Base in Civil Service. He later worked at the DuPont Plant in Camden, South Carolina, until he was called to serve in the U.S. Army in 1952. During the Korean War, he served in Germany. After honorable discharge, he returned to South Carolina before relocating to Connecticut in 1953.

Willie married the love of his life, Rometta Rainey, who loving called him Pinckney, on June 20, 1954. Together they settled in Meriden, Connecticut. From their union of 71 years, they were blessed with four children.

Willie worked at Bourbon Automatic Machine Shop for one year before accepting a position at American Cyanamid in Wallingford, CT where he dedicated 37 years of service until his retirement in 1990. A dedicated investor, Willie built generational wealth through real estate. He also had a passion for antique cars and was a lifelong member of the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, where he served on the Trustee and Deacon Board. He was known for his impeccable, GQ style of dressing. Willie loved baking. He was known for his famous sweet potato pies, jelly and pound cakes passed down from his mother. He made pear wine from the pear tree he planted in his backyard.  Willie attended Wayman Chapel A.M.E Church as a youth and later reconnected as a member, returning to the church he loved and the cherished memories of family and friends from his childhood

Willie is survived by his wife, Rometta R. Pinckney of 71 years. His four children Kelvin K. Pinckney, Umekia R. Taylor (Paul), Beayanka W. Pinckney Naraine, and Cynthia R. Pinckney; his seven grandchildren—Jevaun William Pinckney, Jordan N. Taylor, Jasmine S. Taylor, Star A. Taylor, Robert C. Taylor, Kriscia S. Naraine, and Kiley M. Naraine—and his great-grandson, Royal Pinckney.

Willie leaves behind a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is predeceased by his siblings, five brothers and two sisters: Charles, James, Marion Jr., McKinley George, Johnny Lee, Susie Mae Taylor and Benice Williams; two granddaughters Odessa Nicholas and Angelica Taylor, two great-granddaughters Wynter and Willow Pinckney.

Willie leaves behind a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Calling hours on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 10:00 Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral to follow at 11 a.m.  at Wayman Chapel A.M.E Church 200 A North Kings Highway, Sumter SC 29154

Interment: Wayman Chapel Cemetery, Military Honors

Acknowledgements

The family would like to express our gratitude and thank for the many kinds expressions of sympathy shown during our time of bereavement. We appreciate all the support and prayers that were offer on our behalf.