Garland F. Pinholster (December 25, 1927 – January 23, 2019) was an American collegiate basketball coach, educator, and politician. He is noted for his long tenure at Oglethorpe University, where he served as head men’s basketball coach, athletic director, and later as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
Early life and education
- Born in Carrollton, Georgia.
- Attended the University of Georgia, playing basketball and earning a degree in education.
Coaching career
- Appointed head men’s basketball coach at Oglethorpe University in 1950.
- Coached Oglethorpe to a 26‑game winning streak and multiple NAIA tournament appearances, including a Final Four berth in 1955.
- Served as Oglethorpe’s athletic director from 1961 to 1975, overseeing expansion of the university’s athletic programs.
Political career
- Elected as a Republican to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1995, representing the 49th district.
- Served two terms, focusing on education and sports-related legislation.
Later life and legacy
- Retired from public service in 2001.
- Inducted into the Oglethorpe University Athletic Hall of Fame (1992) and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (1995).
- Passed away on January 23, 2019, in Alpharetta, Georgia, at the age of 91.
Garland F. Pinholster is remembered for his contributions to collegiate athletics and his later work in state government, bridging sports and public service within Georgia.
