Alfred Charles Pinkston Jr.

February 9, 2021

Alfred Charles Pinkston, Jr., most affectionately referred to as “Coach” or “Big Al”, received his wings on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at the age of 74. He was born on October 16, 1946, to the union of the late Velma and Alfred Charles Pinkston, Sr. in New Orleans, LA. Alfred accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized at an early age at Greater Progressive Baptist Church. He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife of 38 years, Barbara Hanson-Pinkston and his daughters Viola Shree and Rakeysha Ivy Maria Pinkston. He is preceded in death by his daughter Angela Olivia Pinkston and sister-in-law, Vera Prosper. He is also survived by his sisters Nancy Conerly-Pinkston, Velma Lee Rivers and Mary Alice Teague; (3) grandchildren, Angela and Steven Burke and Treyvon Pinkston; sister-in-law Mary Harris; brothers-in-laws, Louis Hanson, Jr., Donald Prosper, Sr. and Horace Harris, III, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was a graduate of George Washington Carver Sr. High School class of 1965. Al was inspired to play baseball by his father Al Pinkston, Sr., who was inducted in the Mexican Baseball League Hall of Fame. Al went on to excel in football as an offensive tackle and in baseball as a first baseman in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) for the Southern University Jaguars in Baton Rouge, LA. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health from Southern University, Al continued his love for education and sports by embarking on a 30-year career as an educator and coach with New Orleans Public Schools. Most of his coaching career was spent at McDonogh No.35 Senior High School. At McDonogh 35, he was an Offensive Line Coach in football and the Head Coach for baseball and girls volleyball. In 1998, he led the Lady Roneagles volleyball team to the District Championship. Coach was dedicated to athletics, education, along with the strong bonds he developed students, players, coaches and other colleagues he worked with. He strived to motivate his students to know that education is the key to success, to always have a “never quit” attitude, and to know there is never an “I” in TEAM sports. Coach also believed to always have love, respect, and knowledge for the game. He loved baseball so much, that he continued to play the game as a competitive first baseman and designated hitter for (2) neighborhood clubs, “The Hideaway” and “Pampy’s”, for several years. In addition to coaching, Al served the City of New Orleans as Pool Manager for several years with New Orleans Recreation Department and Delgado Community College as a Summer Camp Manager. After hurricane Katrina in 2005, he continued to educate students in Fulton and Gwinnett Counties in Atlanta, GA, before returning home to New Orleans. Big Al was also a talented singer, recording (4) R&B songs and performing as a soloist with the Royal Dukes of Rhythm. He was well-known for having the GOD-given talent to sing any gospel or R&B song by several soul artists. He was even once selected from a concert audience to sing the hook of Jeffery Osborne’s “Can you Woo Woo Woo”. If you knew anything about Big Al, you knew he would bring down the house with his soulful voice. In addition to singing, Al loved to dance. To have such a towering presence, he was light on his feet and was known as the “dancing bear” and James Brown Jr., in college. He could burn a hole in any dance floor. One of Al’s greatest attributes was that he was a kindhearted person who loved talking to anyone and everyone. He never met a stranger, had a great sense of humor, and a smile that would light up any room he entered. Al will be greatly missed. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a limited number of relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125 on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 9:30 AM, with a public visitation to all beginning at 8:30 AM. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. Strictly enforced. Interment at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4900 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70001. Arrangement by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. The Pinkston family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at https://www.rhodesfuneral.com. Also to view live stream www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/live (Case sensitive make sure they are capital)