May Hall Pinckney Sandlin

May Hall Pinckney Sandlin (Mom), lovingly known as “Pinky” passed away peacefully, 91 years young, on July 19, 2025.

Pinky was born on October 13, 1933, in Charleston, SC. She was the daughter of Richard Shubrick Pinckney and Electra Virginia Twyford Pinckney. Her family spent summers in Hendersonville, NC, where she attended Fassifern Boarding School. After graduating, she met her husband, the late Col. Davis W. Sandlin “Sandy,” whom she married on September 3, 1955 at St John's Episcopal Church, Johns Island, SC. Together, they traveled the world for 34 years during his military career before settling in Tryon, NC.

An accomplished horsewoman, Pinky was a dedicated member of several hunt clubs where she earned her colors. She served as District Commissioner for the Gold Coast Pony Club and was an honorary life member of FENCE. She was passionate about carriage driving and endurance riding, and friends would often tease, saying, “Don’t go on a trail ride with Pinky unless you’re ready to return after dark.”

In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Pinky was a devoted member and past President of the Blue Ridge Colonial Dames and a member of the John Boswell Chapter, as well as a member of the Children of the Confederacy and the Charleston Huguenot Society. Her love for gardening was well-known; she planted vegetables among her flowers, often gathering dinner ingredients fresh from her garden. She loved being near or on the water, sailing and swimming were two more of her passions.

Pinky is survived by her four children: Lt Col. David W. Sandlin (Anna), William Herbert Sandlin (Dr. Kendall Young), Virginia Lee “Ginger” Spencer (Clay), and Jay - Jonathan P. Sandlin (Susan). She also leaves behind nine grandchildren—Jennifer, Christopher, and Jessica Sandlin; Heather Dyer (Steve), Joe Spencer, and Sam Spencer Smith (Grainger); Jonathan (Casey) Sandlin, Eden Wilder (Zach), and Jake Sandlin—and three great-grandchildren: Spencer and A.G. Dyer, and Wallace “Ace” Wilder.

Pinky was a cherished member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon, NC. She will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery beside her late husband at a future date.

Memorial donations may be made to Pearson's Falls and Glen care of Tryon Garden club, P.O. Box 245, Tryon NC 28782.  

http://www.pearsonsfalls.org