Charles Maitland Pinckney 65, of Tampa, Fla., died unexpectedly on June 30, 2023, while vacationing with family at his home in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. Pinckney received his undergraduate degree with honors from The Citadel and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Duke University Fuqua School of Business.
Charlie was born on February 7, 1958 , in Charleston South Carolina, a son of Lois and Marion Pinckney. Charlie was “raised” not only by his parents but also by his loving siblings who affectionately called him “Arg”. He graduated from Porter Gaud school in 1976, where he excelled in basketball and football. After graduation from Duke University, Charlie began his business career.
He fell in love with and married Sarah Frenzel. They were married 23 years when Sarah died after a courageous battle with cancer. Charlie and Sarah had two children, Jake and Audrey. He remained close to the Frenzel family for the rest of his life.
Several years after her death, he met, fell in love with, and married Brittain Fraser. He lovingly embraced Brittain’s two children, William and Caroline, as his own.
Charlie was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Morrison Grove Capital Advisors. A long-time banker, he started his career with Citi Bank and Bank of America, where he was an innovator and pioneer in the securitization of municipal real estate debt. After leaving banking, Charlie founded White Hawk Capital which later became part of Municipal Mortgage & Equity, where he was an EVP and later Chief Operating Officer.
A tireless entrepreneur, Charlie met any challenge head on and moved from success to success in his career. With a broad and deep intellect, he saw opportunities others missed and possessed the energy and drive to bring them to fruition. His optimism and humor carried him through the tough times and won him many friends.
Charlie pursued his goals with a laser focus, but he always made sure that those around him were respected and treated fairly. He would often remind his team that overt greed didn’t work for anyone and was unwise in the long run. Many who did business with him returned later with new opportunities. Always gracious, he was polite to all, regardless of their background or station in life. Charlie was often concerned with others and took great care to help when he could. He and Brittain were always quick to open their home to visitors, close friends, or new business associates, all were welcome.
In addition to a full and challenging professional life, Charlie was devoted to his family. Their happiness was the most important thing in his life and he and often spoke of them. He was extremely proud of Jake, Audrey, William, and Caroline.
Charlie was also very proud of his South Carolina roots and closely followed any news related to Charleston or Clemson football. An avid fan, he followed the Tigers through good times and bad. Saturdays in the fall were one of his favorite things.
His family and friends will miss him, and the humor, affection, and energy he brought with him.
In addition to his loving wife and children, he is survived by his siblings, Tom (Joyce) Pinckney of Seabrook Island, South Carolina; Richard (Susan) Pinckney of Greenwood, South Carolina; and Gail P. Moore (Ray) of Blythewood, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews, as well as a wealth of friends.
Memorial services will be held on Friday July 21, 2023, at 2:00 at the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa, Florida.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church or St. Johannes Lutheran Church in Charleston, South Carolina.