Dr. Warner L. Pinchback, Jr.

Obituary For Dr. Warner L. Pinchback, Jr.

Dr. Warner L. Pinchback, Jr., a dedicated physician and beloved member of the community, passed away on May 25, 2023. He was 74. “Pinch” to those who knew him well, Dr. Pinchback leaves behind a legacy of compassion, professionalism, and outstanding medical care that will be remembered by all who knew him. Born on July 14, 1948, in Danville, Virginia, to Warner Sr. and Clara Hughes Pinchback, Warner's life was a testament to the power of education, hard work, dedication, and love for one's family, church and community.

Warner embarked on his educational journey at Langston High School, graduating in 1966. He went on to study civil engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, where he played the clarinet in the band, and biology at Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rho Chapter, in 1968. After graduating in 1971, Warner pursued his deep-rooted passion for medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee where he met his beloved wife, Patricia (Pat) Turnbull, in 1972. Together, they built a life founded on love, mutual respect, and shared dreams.

His journey as a medical practitioner was nothing short of awe-inspiring. After completing his orthopedic residency and fellowship, Warner moved his family to Montgomery, Alabama in 1979 where he opened Advanced Orthopedic Surgical Specialist, P.C.—the practice he would run for nearly 40 years. Despite his many professional commitments, Warner never forgot the value of education, completing an M.B.A. from Auburn University in 2002.

Warner was a pioneer, always staying ahead of the curve in his profession. He was the first African-American orthopedic surgeon in Montgomery and the second African-American orthopedic surgeon in Alabama. He introduced Montgomery surgeons to arthroscopic surgeries, which allowed them to see inside the knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, and elbow joints using a camera inserted through a small incision. He also performed the first posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation, the first minimally invasive total knee surgery, and the first computer navigation of the knee and spine. Prior to the summer of 2015, he was the only surgeon performing minimally invasive direct anterior hip reconstructive surgery in Montgomery. His patients remember him as a compassionate physician who cared deeply for their well-being and smooth recovery.

As a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and the North American Spine Society, Dr. Pinchback earned regional recognition in his field. He was on the staff of all of the major hospitals in Montgomery. A noted community leader, Dr. Pinchback served as chairman of the Montgomery County Medical Society, and a member of both the Montgomery County Health Department and the Capital City Medical Society. He was a member of multiple professional and civic organizations to include the Montgomery Rotary, Montgomery Community Foundation, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.

Beyond his professional life, Warner was a devoted family man, a loving husband to Pat for nearly 50 years, and a proud father to Tashwanda Pinchback Dixon (Robert), Warner L Pinchback, III (Rebecca), and Wesley Pinchback. He was a loyal brother to Cynthia Pinchback Hines (Gary) and Martha Evans, and a doting grandfather to his four grandchildren — Robert Dixon, Jr. (8), Taliyah Dixon (6), Madeline Pinchback (6), and Gabrielle Pinchback (3). He is also survived by two aunts, Lois Petty and Sue Briggs (Col. Joseph (Ret.)), and one uncle, Robert Hughes. Warner is remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his mother in 1979 and father in 2016. Warner’s family was his joy, and his legacy lives on through them.

Warner was a man of faith, dedicating his service to First Baptist Church, where he led as chairman of the trustee board and devout member of the choir. In more recent years, he was proud to lead the church’s COVID task force, providing his medical expertise to advise the church on how to reopen safely. During COVID, Warner never missed a Sunday of virtual Sunday School, where he treasured his opportunities to teach the lesson and lead his church members in singing his favorite hymns. Warner’s faith was his compass, guiding him throughout his life.

Warner was known for his inspiring phrases that became guiding principles for many — "Do the right thing," "Don't sweat the small stuff," and "Do it right the first time." These simple yet profound words speak volumes about the man Warner was — principled, focused, and diligent.

Throughout his life, Warner's dedication to medicine, his love for his family, and his unwavering faith in God remained constants. As we remember Warner, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, service, and deep compassion. We are comforted knowing he touched so many lives, including nearly 40,000 patients, and his spirit will continue to inspire those he left behind.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. service & Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boule') Omega Service will be held Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 4-5 p.m. in the chapel of Ross-Clayton Funeral Home. A family hour will follow from 5-6 p.m.

A celebration of Warner's life will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 347 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. The service will be livestreamed on the website of the church. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. In memory of Warner's unwavering faith and his dedication to his church, the family kindly requests donations be made to First Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.

While we mourn the loss of an incredible individual, we find solace in the indelible mark Warner L. Pinchback, Jr., M.D. has left on the world. His story is one of extraordinary achievement, lasting contributions to his community, and unyielding love for his family. We will forever hold him in our hearts.

Honor the life of Dr. Warner L. Pinchback, Jr.

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