‘Larger than life’ Daufuskie Island author and historian Roger Pinckney XI dies

Roger Pinckney XI, a Daufuskie Island resident and author, died Wednesday, according to Daufuskie Island chairman Kade Yarborough.

Pinckney wrote more than more than 10 books, including “Blue Roots: African-American Folk Magic of the Gullah People,” “Reefer Moon,” and “The Mullet Manifesto.”

He was a “larger than life character,” according to Facebook posts.

He practiced voodoo and talked to The Island Packet about the traditions of voodoo in 2016 and on other occasions.

He was known as a storyteller, and many of his stories were about Daufuskie Island, which he first visited more than 60 years ago. Pinckney was raised in Beaufort, but his father, a longtime Beaufort County coroner and dock-builder, later introduced him to the remote island he called home.

Through his books, writing and tours Pinckney advocated for Gullah Geechee residents and environmental preservation. He also educated visitors and residents about Daufuskie Island.

Information about arrangements was not available Wednesday evening.