By Bruce Boyer

The heart is beating strong in Kernersville, according to Alderman Joe Pinnix.  Joe is a lifelong resident of Kernersville, a community he affectionately refers to as “The Heart of the Triad.”  He backs up that description by saying that being the Heart of the Triad is much more than just the location.  “Kernersville is full of good people with hearts.”  

Joe Pinnix should know about what makes Kernersville a special place.  He managed the real estate office of Prudential Carolinas Realty (now Berkshire-Hathaway) for 23 years and has been selling real estate since 1973.  He says Kernersville is an easy place to sell.  It has good schools, more churches per capita than most communities, and a wide variety of sports programs and activities.  Being in real estate most of his life gave Joe the opportunity to sell the best features of the community.  “If people are from out of town, the YMCA is the first place I take them to.  We have a fantastic Y in Kernersville.”  Joe is proud of the upcoming $6 million dollar library planned for Harmon Lane, as well as the attractions of Spring Folly, the Honeybee Festival, and Ivey M. Redmon Park all bringing large numbers of people to Kernersville.

The Pinnix family has a rich history in Kernersville.  His grandfather, John “Neighbor” Pinnix Sr. served on the Board of Aldermen from 1917-1961 and his Uncle J.M. Pinnix Jr. was an Aldermen from 1961-1971.  First cousin Johnny Pinnix served on the board from 1971-1977, completing 60 consecutive years as a family member on the Board of Aldermen.  Joe was elected as an Alderman in 2013 and was recently re-elected to his second term.

The Pinnix Drug Store was also a family operation.  His grandfather, John “Neighbor” Pinnix first opened the store in 1904, logging work days that started at 7 a.m. and finished at 11 p.m.  Joe learned his work ethic from his grandfather, who never took a vacation so that he could help the people of the community.  “Granddaddy was the most generous and hardest working man I ever knew,” said Joe.

Attending Board of Aldermen meetings over the years and his background in real estate prepared Joe for his current position on the board.  As Broker-in-Charge of Prudential Carolinas Realty, he supervised thousands of property closings, so he has learned how to remain calm and how to help people in difficult situations.  The fact that the town is well managed and has employees who put their heart into the community has lead Kernersville on a road to success.

When the rest of the nation was struggling during the economic downturn, Kernersville was flourishing.  Kernersville Medical Center, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, restoration work at Körner’s Folly, approval of the VA Clinic, and the North Main Street beautification project all occurred during the economic recession.  “If we can do that during a down economy, imagine what we can accomplish as the economy grows,” said Joe.

One of the newest developments in town brings a twinkle to Joe’s eye.  The Kernersville Museum is located in a home previously called the Bellamy House.  As a 15-year-old working at Pinnix Drugstore, Joe would look down Mountain Street in hopes of spotting a certain car in the Bellamy House driveway.  A cute young lady named Kay visited that house often, which was owned by Kay’s grandparents.  She lived in Washington, North Carolina, but would spend many summer days visiting her grandparents.  Joe would excuse himself from work to greet her on the front porch swing of that house.  Joe and Kay recently celebrated their 49^th wedding anniversary.

Because of Joe’s passion for Kernersville he serves on many community boards, including the Kernersville Medical Center Foundation, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, Körner’s Folly Foundation, Kernersville Family YMCA, and the Fireman’s Relief Fund as well as numerous clubs and organizations.  He is also President of the Kernersville Historic Preservation Society.  The highlight of his week, however, is the 40 minutes he gets to volunteer with the Coaches Who Care mentoring program at Kernersville Elementary School.  He feels his life was enhanced by mentors from the generation ahead of him, so he wants to help the next generation move in a positive direction with their lives.  Joe Pinnix is a great example of leading with his heart in The Heart of the Triad.