Legendary TV star Joe Pinner has died at the age of 89, his family announced

Former television star Joe Pinner has died at the age of 89, according to a statement from Pinner's family read Sunday evening on his longtime station WIS-TV.

Pinner, who had a long and celebrated career in broadcasting in South Carolina, “passed away peacefully this weekend surrounded by his sons Michael and Gregg,” the family statement said.

“His cheerfulness was so infectious,” said longtime WIS-TV anchor Judi Gatson, who worked through tears and is a popular television personality in her own right, as she announced Pinner's death on the station Sunday night.

Pinner was known throughout South Carolina for his outgoing, cheerful and positive personality and was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by three state governors, according to an obituary on WIS-TV.

“He leaves behind his two sons, his two beloved daughters-in-law Diane (Michael) and Paula (Gregg), his cherished grandchildren Allen (Carmen), Christopher (Addie), Danica (Nick) and Lauren,” the WIS statement said.

Pinner, a popular figure during his time at WIS, retired in 2018 after 55 years at the news channel. His duties at the channel included weather forecasting and presenting the children's show “Mr. Knozit”.