Winston B Exley

During his early adulthood, he was willing to quit high school to help support his family by working at a gas station.

He went on to join the United States Army Reserve. Soon after 2 years in the Army he was honorably discharged and went on to enlist in the United States Navy. His dream was to join every branch of the military. While in the Navy, Winston met the love of his life, Linda McKee. It took a little convincing, but the third time was the charm. Sitting at a Sonic Drive-In in Oklahoma City, in their favorite booth, he proposed, and she finally said "Yes". A short 3 weeks later, on June 9, 1968, they were married and he left to fight in Vietnam. They had a one-of-kind kind of love. They enjoyed each other and did everything together. He enjoyed every moment of life with his family and dearest of friends.

Winston’s proudest family moments include when his daughter, April, graduated from college with her first degree; followed by the birth of his grandchildren and sharing their life and graduations.

Winston’s proudest career accomplishments were his Navy and Army careers, including being an honored Vietnam Veteran, and his 19 years working in security at Oklahoma Baptist University. Some of Winston’s hobbies included building model airplanes, creative wood working, and working on computers.

One of the family’s favorite memories of Winston was at Christmas time. This particular Christmas, Linda and Winston were shopping for each other's Christmas, and Winston asked Linda what she would like to have; anything she wanted and it was hers. Well, Linda stated to her loving husband that she wanted a jewelry box she saw at JC Penny’s, and Winston, being who he was, simply said, which one do you want? She stated "Well, I would really like that one right there. He said are you sure? She said yes, but it is so expensive, Winston mere replied, “you want it, you’ve got it”. Winston picked up the jewelry box (a display model) the only one left and told her to pay for it up front and walked right out with it and put it in the car. He was always giving to others in this way, even with perfect strangers, for Winston, it was only the best, first class and style with love and grace.

On June 9, 2016, shortly before he was diagnosed with Cancer, he and Linda were parked at a Sonic Drive-in in Shawnee. Winston looked at the love of his life and best friend of 47 years, and in the very same booth number from 47 years ago asked her to marry him again, and she said Yes once again with no surprise.

Winston loved his family and friends more than anything. He will be remembered for his wisdom and wit, laughter, his gentle nature, his strength, and his willingness to give the shirt off his back.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those left to cherish their memories are his wife Linda Exley of the home; daughter, April E. Exley-Heil and husband Michael; grandsons, Winston M. Exley-Flick, Adam G. Exley-Heil, and Atlas Edward Exley;as well as a host of other family and dear friends.