Curtis "Pinky" Pinkston

Curtis "Pinky" Pinkston, 88, of Port Neches, Texas, finished the race of life with a checkered flag waving high on November 10, 2017. He leaves a legacy of love, integrity, knowledge, and friendship. He was truly a man among men. He was born on July 3, 1929, to Curtis J. Pinkston Sr. and Nova Ham Pinkston. His wife Zuetta Pinkston preceded him in death on August 16th 2017. Also preceding him in death are his parents, sisters Lenna Belle Keith and Edna Earle Shirley, son Frank Pinkston, and grandson Christopher Pinkston. Survivors include daughter Sue Greenway and husband Jeff of Port Neches, Texas, son Joe Pinkston and wife Angie of Longview, Texas. Grandchildren: Tina Gordon, Travis Greenway and wife Adrienne of Humble, Texas, Kelly Bridges of Port Neches, Texas, Curtis Pinkston and wife Jennifer of Winchester, Virginia, and Tim Stuckey of Austin, Texas. Great grandchildren: Devon Gordon, Devin Gordon, Elijah Bridges, Aleigha Bridges, Ryder Greenway, Tucker Greenway, Caden Pinkston, Grace Pinkston, and Grant Pinkston. Pinky, as his friends affectionately called him, lived a life filled with gratitude. Growing up during the Great Depression instilled in him an unmatched work ethic, a can-do attitude, and a humble approach to life. In 1947 he joined the Army Air Corps as an aircraft mechanic. He always had a interest in knowing how things worked and a talent for making them work even better. Later that year he met and soon after married Zuetta Kelly, the love of his life. Together they found a friendship, raised a family, and built a beautiful marriage on the foundation of a love for God and each other. In 1951 he opened Pinkstons Garage in Port Arthur, TX. He was a Master Mechanic and loved working on automobiles. During this time he enjoyed racing cars on dirt tracks throughout Texas, always giving his trophies away at the end of the race to a grateful child in the stands. At age 28 he was chosen as "Auto Mechanic of the Year" by the Independent Garagemens Association of Texas. He then served as president of that association from 1962-63. Later in his career he opened a number of successful auto salvages: Pinkston & Sons Auto Parts in Palestine, TX and Crockett, TX and U-Pull-It Auto Parts in White Oak, TX. His faith was important to him. He loved to read the Bible and prepare lessons. On Sunday mornings he was often found leading a Sunday school class at the First United Methodist Church of Groves. Zuetta and Pinky served faithfully there for 68 years. Pinky was an avid fisherman who knew all the best spots. Zuetta and him loved to fished together. He always enjoyed taking family, friends, and especially grandchildren along with him, often letting them reel in all the fish. He had a gift for storytelling. His life was filled with wonderful memories and he was always ready to share one that would put a smile on your face. Pinky asked Zuetta to wait for him in Heaven, just inside the gate to the left. What a marvelous reunion! George Washington Carver once said "How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these." A visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday November 18, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, 6501 Washington St. Groves, TX, followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Marty Boddie officiating under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. All memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Groves, TX. The family would like to give a special thanks to Altus Hospice.