Charles Pinkoson

On December 3rd, 1921, a kind and gentle soul was brought into this world, courtesy of Lula Perry Pinkoson and Charles Pinkoson, a former Alachua County Sheriff and City of Gainesville Chief of Police. Reared locally, he began his secondary education attending UF and later transferred to Baylor University to complete his college studies. He then attended Tulane University’s Medical School, earning his medical doctorate. Tulane and New Orleans always held a special place in his heart, undoubtedly because it was where he met his future bride of 67 years, Rainer Nicholls. After completing his residency at Tulane and a stint as a flight surgeon in the Air Force, Charlie and Rainer, now married, moved to Gainesville to begin his practice. He began his career as an eye, ear, nose and throat doctor and later focused his specialty on eyes as an ophthalmologist. Not only did he excel at his craft; his kind, compassionate, and caring demeanor created a special relationship with his patients. It was not uncommon for Dr. Pinkoson to attend to his patients at any hour of the day on any day of the week. His practice touched thousands of lives. He was a member of a number of professional and civic organizations (the Alachua County Medical Society, the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Rotary Club of Gainesville and the Gainesville Quarterback Club). He was also a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was devoted to Alachua General Hospital where he served as Chief of Staff on more than one occasion. While busy with his practice, Rainer and Charlie had three children, Nona Upshaw, Lee (Tina) and Beth. Providing for his family was essential and he was an excellent husband and father. Through his example his children learned to treat people with respect, compassion and humility. He was blessed to have a number of grandchildren (Nathan, Matthew, Jenica, Christopher, and Kyle). Subsequently, seven great grandchildren were in the making (Lucas, Nicholas, Elena, Emma, Casey, Andrew and one in the oven, name TBD). Charlie cared deeply for his community and generously contributed to many local charities, the library system, and Rotary, trying to make his community better for everyone. He also wanted to demonstrate his gratitude to the institutions of learning he attended as well as Santa Fe College, working with them to provide scholarships. Charlie Pinkoson, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, physician, and a caring community member, made a difference in this world and because he did, it was a better place. With his passing we lost a kind, gentle, caring man, a true gentleman, a person who made our lives better. Your family loves you and we will miss you. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or do a good deed for someone.

Charles Pinkoson

December 3, 1921 - August 24, 2018