Longtime Garden City Educator, Athletic Director, and Coach, William H. Pinnell, 89, of Garden City, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 surrounded by family. He was born October 25, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to the late William and Mildred Pinnell. He married Geneva Walton in June of 1954, who he loved devotedly and deeply for 67 years.

Bill graduated from Western High School in Detroit. He earned his undergraduate degree in Education from Adrian College. At Adrian he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He completed his Master's Degree from the University of Michigan.

In his 37 years at Garden City Public Schools Bill taught physical education and swimming. He is well remembered as Athletic Director of Garden City West High School as well as Garden City High School after East and West consolidated.

Bill was an accomplished and highly regarded coach and athlete. He is a member of the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame for his years coaching track and cross country in Garden City. In addition, he is a member of the Adrian College Athletics Hall of Fame. Many of his former students and athletes have remained in touch with him and fondly know him as simply, "Coach". He loved to run and did so until he was 77 years old.

More recently, he was a very proud supporter of the Champions program aimed at mentoring and assisting at-risk students at Garden City High School.

Whether coach, friend, family, or acquaintance, Bill was a model of integrity for all. His calm, positive, and gentle demeanor left a lasting impact on all those who knew him.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Geneva, and children: daughter Bonnie (Brian) King, son William (Deborah) Pinnell. Grandchildren: Brett (Elizabeth) King, Brandon (Anita) King, Brad King, Katherine Pinnell and Dean Pinnell. He also has 5 Great Grandchildren: Ryan, Connor, Owen, Mia, and Oliver.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation in Bill's name to the Champions program at Garden City High School. The Champions program is a focused scholarship-based mentoring program targeting at-risk students at Garden City High School.

Visitation Sunday 2-7pm at the John N. Santeiu Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill.). Funeral Service Monday 11:30am at the Funeral Home.

Due to the rise in Covid-19 numbers, the family is requesting that everyone wears a mask.