The Legacy of Pinkney
and Lestroy Eaddy McAllister

The McAllister family legacy finds its roots in the Olive Grove Community of Florence County, South Carolina, where Pinkney Oscar McAllister, born in 1908, and Lestroy "Coot" Eaddy McAllister, born in 1911, began their journey. Pinkney's upbringing was marked by hard work and early responsibilities, leaving school at nine to support the family. Lestroy, on the other hand, completed fifth grade, driven by her enterprising spirit.

In 1927, Pinkney and Lestroy united in marriage, forging a partnership that would shape their family's destiny. Working together, they overcame adversity and established a foundation for their children. Despite humble beginnings, the couple purchased a farm in Goodland Community in 1941, freeing themselves from working for others. With two houses, tobacco barns, and unwavering determination, their new life began.

Pinkney's tireless work ethic, often a product of his stepfather's stern ways, led the family to prosperity. As Pinkney cultivated the land and provided for the family, Lestroy managed the household with a fiery spirit. They nurtured their children's education, ensuring Mamie pursued college, Marvin graduated, and Margaree excelled in junior college.

Though Lestroy's passing in 1951 marked a turning point, the family's resilience endured. Pinkney's marriage to Ethel Johnson in 1952 brought stability and a renewed sense of normalcy. Pinkney's innovative approach extended beyond farming, as he became the first black man in the area to use oil burners for tobacco curing, reshaping the agricultural landscape.

Pinkney's commitment to the community extended to his role as a deacon, serving for 41 years, during which he often chaired his congregation. The family's enduring bond remained, with children marrying and building families of their own, carrying forth the values and work ethic instilled by Pinkney and Lestroy.

While the years brought losses, Pinkney's passing in 1988 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of determination, innovation, and unwavering familial unity. Today, the McAllister legacy lives on through their descendants, a testament to the enduring spirit of Pinkney and Lestroy Eaddy McAllister's journey from humble beginnings to a lasting legacy of love, strength, and perseverance.