Mickey Ray Winborne

August 16, 1943 – July 24, 2025

Mickey Ray Winborne passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 16, 1943, Mickey was a loving, hard-working, and fiercely devoted man who protected and cherished his family. He was known for his warmth, his affectionate nature, and the famous “Mickey hugs” that made everyone feel special.

At barely 17 years old, Mickey received his mother's blessing and written permission to enlist in the United States Navy on August 24, 1960. He served aboard the USS Tolovana for four years and was a participant in the historic Operation Dominic nuclear testing near Christmas Island, witnessing more than 25 atomic bomb detonations. Later, during reserve duty, Mickey was called back to active service and deployed to Vietnam for a 13-month tour as a Seabee. He was honorably discharged on December 7, 1967.

Using the GI Bill, Mickey pursued a career in commercial refrigeration. After working with several companies, he founded Winborne Refrigeration & Construction in 1989. For 26 years, his company earned a respected reputation for quality work, honesty, and dependability in the supermarket and refrigeration industries.

Mickey shared 39 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sondra Winborne, whom he married on May 6, 1986. Together they raised a beautiful, blended family: Bobbie Wood, Carla Loessin (Mike), Albert Winborne, Gina Farris (Ken), Michelle Wilson (Steve), Vicki Griffith, and Casey Norman (Charlotte). He was a devoted and joyful grandfather to Chera Rosemann (Ben), Jake Loessin, Courtney Vincent (Zack), Ryan Wilson, Alexis Burwinkel (Collin), Nick Norman (Alex), Kelton Farris, and Emily Griffith. His great-grandchildren—Jensen, Raelynn, Evelyn, Elijah, and Vivienne—brought him much happiness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Pluma Winborne, and his siblings Joe Winborne, Norma Stogsdill, and Betty Hall.

Mickey deeply enjoyed time with his large family. Steak and potato nights at the Winborne home became a treasured tradition. He loved taking his family to Disney World and Universal Studios, and he often surprised Sondra with spontaneous road trips. In retirement, he poured his energy into making their home beautiful and welcoming. Mornings on the back patio with a cup of coffee and the love of his life became his daily joy. He also enjoyed action movies with his custom sound system, classic rock, Hank Williams Jr., Elvis Presley, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns.

For 30 years, Mickey and Sondra were faithful members of Sugar Creek Baptist Church. Mickey loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. He firmly believed in "this life and one more." He will be remembered most for his optimism, generous heart, unwavering courage, and deep love for his family.

The Winborne family would like to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Nazanin Majd at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for her compassionate care over the past three and a half years. They are also profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gray for Glioblastoma (grayforglioblastoma.com) or the Glioblastoma Research Organization (gbmresearch.org) in Mickey’s memory.