He was born May 1, 1926 in Pleasant Grove, Alabama and was the son of the late George Glenn Winn and Berta Smith Winn.
In 1944, at the age of 18, Ralph joined the Navy. He graduated from Auburn University (The Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1949, where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. He spent his career at US Steel, where he retired in 1981. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Winn (Judy Placek); step-children, Connie T. Hinkle, Michael B. Taylor (Laura), and Nancy T. Stroup (Donald); and many nieces and nephews.
He was a proud member of the Alabama Auto Racing Pioneers. He was inducted into the Alabama Water Ski Federation Hall of Fame in 2006, the first alongside his life-long friend, Leona Kirtley. Ralph maintained his dedication to the sport of water skiing judging local, regional, and national tournaments. He will be forever remembered for his love of the sport of water skiing and NASCAR racing. He made many of his dear, lifelong friends through these sports.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Glenn Winn and Berta Smith Winn; and brothers, Russell Winn, Gene Winn, and Clyde Winn; sister, Nell Winn Foshee; and late wife, Doris Taylor Winn.
Visitation will be at Johns Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel on Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 1PM – 2PM, with a celebration of Ralph’s life to follow at a graveside service at Birmingham’s historic Elmwood Cemetery in block 31. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to USA Water Ski & Wake Sports to support Team USA. (support.teamusa.org)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Winn family.
