John L. Winnie

John LeGaylon Winnie, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, in Jacksonville, Al. He was born on April 17th, 1941 in Alexandria, Al. He fell asleep in his home surrounded by his family and awoke in the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife Margaret Winnie (Mama) of too many years to count and married to each other twice, she was his person and the love of his life. His Children Jean Velarde (Henry Velarde), Jodi Bennefield (Jerry Bennefield), David Boyd (Dana Boyd), Tami Risner (Rodney Risner) Robin Karns. His Grandchildren Brittney Jennings, Jordon Walker (Nick Walker), Chris Bean (Tamela Bean), Zach Bean (Ashley Valentine), Dakota Karns, Brook Karns, Ryan Velarde, Julian Velarde, Shanna Elliot (Stephen Elliot) Dixie Worley. Great Grandchildren Brenden Bennefield, Blake Beckham, Adeline Walker, Derrick Bean, Brooklinn Bean, Tristan Moody, Gideon Bean, Liam Velarde, Bella Velarde, Midian Elliot. His special caretaker and helper of all needs Tiffany Wilkinson. Nieces and Nephews Casey Maddox (Justin Maddox) Stephen Wilkinson (Alisha Fishbaugh). As well as siblings, cousins, and other family members and friends.

John went to Alexandria High School. He joined the Navy and received his GED. He retired from the Anniston Army Depot. He was a member of Saks Baptist Church. He was saved when he was 17 years old. John was raised from birth by his great grandparents, John Robert Lester and Telitha Carolyn Lester. They raised him into the man he became. He also was able to care for them until the day they died and he sure was proud of where he came from. His biological mother was Melda Hughes Hall and his father was Charles Winnie (Lucille Winnie)

The greatest loves of his life were his family. He considered himself a master hoarder and has several buildings full of junk to prove it. He had numerous quantities of the same item, but good luck finding one of them. He had an amazing green thumb and could keep any garden or flower alive, even bringing some back from the dead. He was stubborn, strong-willed, knew what he wanted, and meant it. He always said “I will never lie to you” and he didn’t even if the truth hurt. He would sing songs he made up to make his grandkids and kids laugh. He always was joking around showing his dentures and smiling to get you to laugh or smile. All his life he only wore overalls, even to church. They were his signature look, he had a Sunday pair and his work pair.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Judes Children’s Hospital in his honor. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He has left a deep hole in our hearts and we can’t imagine this world without him in it.

Condolences may be left at www.chapelhillfh.com