Roy Gene Winford of Fort Smith, AR passed away the evening of May 31, 2021. Gene was born in Cornish Community, AR (presently Fort Chaffee) on February 11, 1932 to Vernon and Raye (Gant) Winford. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his two sisters, Jackie Glover and Betty Gazzola. Gene is survived by his wife, Janice of 70 years, his three daughters, Susan Wright of Fort Smith, AR, Sheryl Bronson (Charlie) of Colcord, OK and Carol Murray (Robert) of Valley Springs, AR and one son, Scott Winford (Rhonda) of Hackett, AR. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ben Smith of Fort Smith, AR, Alex Luther of Fayetteville, AR, Sid Winford of Little Rock, AR, Jordan Winford of Anchorage, AK, Leigh Ann Veach of Russellville, AR, Russell Murray of Camden, AR and Rachel Bronson of Kansas City, MO; one great-granddaughter, Caroline; a brother, Garry Winford and four nephews, Danny Glover, Randy Gazzola, Ronnie Winford and Garry Winford, Jr.
Gene was a retired contractor who was always there to lend a hand and help wherever he could. Gene was also a longtime member of the Greenwood School Board. After his term on the school board, he went back to work for the school district full time. In 1994, Gene and his wife, Janice were Greenwood Citizens of the Year. In 2003, Gene was inducted into the Greenwood School Hall of Fame. He was an active member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church, serving at one time as Chairman of the Administrative Board and overseeing many of the Church’s construction projects.
Gene loved fishing with his friends and family and was a lover of cats and dogs.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6 at Greenwood United Methodist Church under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. The family will visit with friends at the church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Gene’s name be made to Kitties and Kanines Shelter in Fort Smith, AR or Shoal Creek Camp in New Blaine, AR.
