Interment following service in the Lawrence Cemetery, Palestine, TX.

VIEWING:
Friday, March 16, 2018    10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Emanuel Funeral Home Chapel - Palestine, Texas
1721 W. Oak Street, Palestine, TX  75801

Tony B. Pinson, "Coach P," passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family on March 11, 2018.

Tony was born in Palestine, Texas, on October 23, 1960, to Tenise Pinson and Chester Jenkins.

He accepted Christ at an early age at South Union Baptist Church.  Educated in Palestine schools in his early years.

Tony loved coaching.  His first coaching job at 14 years of age was at the YMCA in Palestine.  Tony graduated from Palestine High School and attended Tyler Junior College in Athens, Texas.  Later he attended and graduated from East Texas State University-Commerce, where he was on the Dean's List.  After graduation, Tony enjoyed a long and successful career coaching in the following school districts in Texas:  Daingerfield, Terrell, Big Sandy, Wills Point, Gainesville, Mexia and Manor.  He retired from John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas.  He led many of those teams to district and state championships.  During his successful career, he coached over 300 winning basketball games.  Tony was a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA).  After retirement, Tony worked as a substitute teacher for Dallas Independent School District.  Throughout his career and after retirement he mentored hundreds of students – he had a special place in his heart for youth.

Tony was united in marriage to Mechelle Cole.  He loved spending time with his wife and family.  In his pastime, Tony enjoyed cooking, grilling, family gatherings and especially loved shopping for his wife.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Mechelle Cole Pinson; eight brothers and sisters: Chester Durell Pinson, Teresia Gayle Pinson, Claudette "Babe" (Arthur) Franklin, of Houston, Texas; Rodney Paul Pinson, Ametha Mashun (William) Majette, Mary E. Swanson and Veronda Nichols of Palestine, Texas; and Jeffrey (Kia) Pinson of Dallas, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews and in-laws.  He also leaves to cherish his memory close friends:  Nelson (Kat) Peterson, Ike Williams, Terry Eason, Ebby Watson, Kenneth Abrams and Ivory Lee Brown along with a host of other relatives and friends.