Howard Melton Pinner, Jr.

On Wednesday, December 23, Howard Melton Pinner Jr. of Black Mountain NC, embarked on a final "flight" and "mission" to heaven. A loving husband of 68 years, Howard — also known as Poppa — will be remembered by family and friends alike for his quick wit, compassion, and sense of humor. Howard Melton Pinner Jr. was born in West Asheville, NC, son to Nell Moore and Howard M. Pinner. Howard attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he met his beloved wife. Mr. Pinner worked as a textile chemist and colorist. A decorated veteran, Howard Pinner was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for "extraordinary achievement" for his valiant tour in WWII as a B17 Pilot of the 398th Bomber Group. Mr. Pinner was deeply committed to volunteering at charitable organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Asheville, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, and the Land of the Sky. Howard loved tending to his daylily garden, enjoying new restaurants, and traveling as far as Australia and Europe with his wife and "co-pilot." Howard leaves behind his wife, Jo Mathis Pinner and a strong legacy of four children (Loree Pinner Olsson, Daniel Howard Pinner, Julian Lee Pinner, and Joanne Pinner Smith), seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 27, at 3 P.M. in the Chapel of First Baptist Church, Asheville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf of Howard M. Pinner to the Valor Hospice Unit at the Charles George Veterans Administration located at 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC, 28805. Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.