Ed Jolley Pinegar
Educator and Author

Ed J. Pinegar, BYHS Class of 1952

Brigham Young High School
Class of 1952 &
BYH Faculty & Staff


Ed J. Pinegar graduated from Brigham Young High School in the Class of 1952. At BYH he played football, basketball, baseball, and tennis. He was recognized as All-State in basketball. He sang in the chorus and was Band president.

He graduated from BYU in 1956 with a degree in chemistry and mathematics. He played basketball and tennis for BYU. He attended dental school at the University of Southern California and graduated in 1961.

Between 1962 and 1964 he served as a Captain in the United States Army. While attending dental school, he taught early morning seminary. Upon returning to Provo to begin his dental practice, he again taught early morning seminary. He was teaching seminary at Brigham Young High School when the school was closed in 1968. While at BYU he taught the Book of Mormon and Gospel Principles and Practices for 18 years.

Brother Pinegar retired from the faculty at the Orem Institute of Religion at Utah Valley State College.

Some of Brother Pinegar's former Church callings include: member of the General Board for Young Men and Aaronic Priesthood; President of the England London South Mission, President of the Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah; and member of the Missionary Programs Advisory Committee, Temple Sealer and Bishop (twice) and presently serves as President of the BYU 20th Stake and as a Church Service Missionary at the Senior MTC.

Brother Pinegar is the author of several LDS books, including
  • You, Your Family and the Scriptures,
  • Fatherhood,
  • The Mighty Change (with Elaine Cannon),
  • Called to Serve Him,
  • Preparing for Your Mission and most recently
  • The Ultimate Missionary Companion and
  • Latter Day Commentary on the Old Testament,
  • Lengthen Your Shuffle and soon to be released
  • Leadership for Saints
  • He has also produced numerous talk tapes including many "Especially for Missionaries." He has taught in many Continuing Education programs and was a recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Division in 1979. He also received the Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award and Service to Mankind Award and in 1998 received the Donald Sloan Speaker Award from BYU.

    Brother Pinegar married Patricia "Pat" Peterson, who was served as General President of the Primary for the Church. They are the parents of eight children.


    In Memoriam

    Ed Jolley Pinegar was born in Provo, Utah on February 12, 1935 to James Emery Pinegar and Effie Jolley Pinegar. He was raised in Edgemont, Spanish Fork and Provo, Utah.

    Ed attended BYU Elementary Training School and BY Junior High School. He then graduated from Brigham Young High School in the Class of 1952. He excelled in athletics, playing football, basketball, baseball, and tennis.

    Ed attended BYU on a tennis and basketball scholarship playing for the legendary Coach Stan Watts. In 1956, he graduated from BYU with a degree in chemistry and mathematics.

    He married his college sweetheart, Patricia Peterson, March 28, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

    Ed attended dental school at the University of Southern California and graduated in 1961. While attending dental school, he taught early morning seminary to high school students. He began his dental practice in Provo, Utah.

    After one year, he was asked to put his practice aside and serve as a Captain in the United States Army between 1962 and 1964.

    Upon returning to Provo to restart his dental practice, he again taught early morning seminary for 3 years and then taught the Book of Mormon, Gospel Principles and Practices, and other religion classes part-time at BYU for 19 years. He retired in 2000 from the faculty at the Orem Institute of Religion at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

    Ed served in many capacities as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as Bishop (twice) and Stake President. He also served with Pat as President of the England London South Mission (1985-88), President of the Provo Missionary Training Center (1988-90), full-time missionaries to the church historical sites in the Rochester New York Mission, and as President and Matron of the Manti Temple (2009-12). His last calling was as a greeter in the Suncrest 10th ward. He was the author of over 60 books and audio recordings of which many were on missionary work.

    The joy of Ed’s life was his family. He loved his sweetheart, Pat. They are the parents of eight children – Karie Bushnell (Bruce), Steve Pinegar, Kelly Hagemeyer (Dale), Kristi Gubler (Ross), Brett Pinegar (Susan), Cory Pinegar (who preceded him in death in 1986), Traci Magleby (Hans), and Tricia Skousen (Jeff). He has 38 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 5 on the way.

    Ed Jolley Pinegar peacefully passed away on August 18, 2020 with his sweetheart, Pat, by his side. Ed will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and as a teacher, speaker, author, dentist, and friend. His life was filled with service - praising, inspiring, and encouraging others with humor and love.

    A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 23 from 6pm to 8pm at the Suncrest 10th ward chapel located at 90 North 600 West, Orem, UT 84057. Due to COVID-19, there will be a private graveside service for immediate family members on Monday, August 24th. Please go to www.nelsonmortuary.com to leave a memory, view a webcast of the graveside service, and see a video memorializing his life in hopes it will help us all continue Ed’s legacy to go and do good. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make a donation to the General Missionary Fund in his memory. Source.



    Ed & Pat Pinnegar


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