November 15, 1946- April 3, 2024
Obituary
Roger Pinckney XI, an esteemed author, sportsman, unapologetic conservationist, beloved friend, and father passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024. He leaves behind an abundant and profound legacy of literature, and a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know him.
Born in Beaufort, South Carolina, Pinckney stayed deeply rooted in the rich culture of the Lowcountry. He was the seventh son on this sacred Lowcountry ground, channeling his love for the region into his writing and storytelling, and acting as the unofficial ambassador for his beloved Daufuskie Island.
Pinckney grew up on the rivers and marsh islands of Beaufort County, SC. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and then earned his MFA through the Iowa Writers Workshop. A Volkswagen bus that was bound for a PhD program in Alaska broke down in MN, and there he stayed for more than two decades; farming, loving, hunting, and writing. His love for the Lowcountry brought him back home where he resided on the wild and sparsely settled barrier island of Daufuskie for the last decades of his life. It is in this space that he championed island preservation while becoming recognized as one of the south’s most profound literary figures.
His literary contributions spanned decades and touched the hearts of countless readers. He was the author of fifteen books of fiction and non-fiction including “Blue Roots,” “Little Glory,” “Reefer Moon,” and “Washed in Blood,” and upwards of a thousand newspaper and magazine features. He was a regular contributor to Sporting Classic Magazine, Grays Sporting Journal, Orion, and Garden and Gun. A juke joint poet and raconteur, he created his stories with the rhythm of the tide – a rolled cigarette in one hand and a bourbon in the other.
Pinckney lived a rich and full life. He chased adventure on several continents, new experiences, women, and like all those things, the perfect hunt. Beyond his accomplishments as an author, Pinckney will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and hospitality. If he had access to bacon grease and a few humble ingredients, Pinckney could whip up a meal so fine you would want to smack somebody. Never a recipe, but like his craft, he had a style all his own that was something to behold. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, and his larger-than-life presence brightened the lives of those around him.
Roger Pinckney is predeceased by his parents, Chloe Martin Pinckney and Roger Pinckney X,survived by his wife Amy Pinckney of Daufuskie Island, SC, his 7 children from birth and marriages- Chad Canton of Vergas MN, Susannah Dhamdhere (Aashish) of Seattle WA, Shelley Livingston (Mark) of Seattle WA, Laura Anton (Nick) of Helena MT, Roger Pinckney XII (Lydia) of Alexander, ND, Rhys (Halle) of Katy, TX and Rhett Evans of College Station, Texas. His 10 grandchildren- Casey Canton (20), Chloe Dhamdhere (17), Kiran Dhamdhere (14), Charlie Livingston (10) Roger (Lucky) Pinckney XIII (8), Wesley Livingston (7), Ella Anton (7), Elizabeth (Eliza) Pinckney (5), Marian Anton (4), and Levi Evans (1 month). His brother Martin Pinckney (Connie) of Naples FL, and sisters Eve White (Jack) of Pawcatuck, CT and Allison Pinckney(Robert) of Herndon VA, as well as nieces and nephews, a multitude of cousin connects and many lifelong friends.
In honor of Roger Pinckney’s memory, let us continue to cherish the beauty of the Lowcountry and celebrate the rich tapestry of stories that he so beautifully crafted. Grab one of his books and know that though he may have left this world, his literary legacy will forever inspire and enrich the lives of those who are fortunate enough to discover it.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Low Country Land Trust in Roger’s memory.
Details of the a memorial celebration for Roger Pinckney’s life will be announced soon and will, of course, take place on Daufuskie Island.
Roger’s memory will live on through his words, through the preservation of wild and beautiful places, and the love he shared with those who knew him.
