Gay Dean Pinckney

Gay Dean Pinckney of Ridgeland, SC passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026 surrounded by her family. Gay was born in Savannah, GA on September 1, 1964, and lived the majority of her life in Bluffton, SC. She moved to Tennessee and later to North Carolina only to return back to the low country.

Gay loved the simple and meaningful things in life most. Coaching the Bluffton Bulldogs brought her so much joy, and she loved spending time crabbing, being out on the water, and enjoying the beauty of the mountains. One of her greatest treasures was being a Gran, a role she cherished deeply and proudly. She was a dedicated paralegal, a loving mother, and the heart of her family. Christmas was her favorite time of year because it meant family gatherings, laughter, traditions, and making memories with the people she loved most. She adored her French bulldog, Raven, and shared a beautiful life with her loving husband, David. Having a farm and being surrounded by family brought her peace and happiness, and the love she gave to those around her will always be remembered.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Kim Bates, and her in-laws Faye Pinckney and Sidney Pinckney. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, David Pinckney, her children, Kristina (Michael) Roller, Dustin Pinckney, and Amanda Beach; her grandchildren Sidney (Emma) Goldinger, Wyatt (Hayley) and Dylan Beach, Kaylie, Kylie and Michael Roller, Owen, Graham, and Darcy Pinckney; great-grandchildren Octavia and Olivia Goldinger; and her sisters, Pam Dean and Dawn (Willie) Mincy; and her lifelong best friend Debbie Criddle.

There will be a visitation and service on June 3, 2026, at 10:00 at Sauls Funeral Home with burial following at the Pinckney Family Cemetery.