William Ralph Winton II

William (Bill) Ralph Winton II, 76, of Johns Creek, Georgia passed away Monday, April 4, 2022 at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Born to the late Margaret Louise (Ham) Winton and William Ralph Winton on August 7, 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bill grew up in Verona and Carthage, Missouri where his father was Dean of Men at Missouri Southern College and his mother was an elementary school teacher. Bill was a graduate of Carthage High School and Southwestern Missouri State University at Springfield, now Missouri State University with majors in Psychology and Sociology. A fascinating note, Bill interrupted his schooling for two years to tour 38 states on the professional NHRA drag-racing circuit. He was sponsored by Chevrolet, even setting a world record which he proudly held until it was later broken.

While living in Columbia, Missouri, Bill served as a state lobbyist for the Pharmaceutical Association and was an Administrator of Pharmaceutical Clinical Studies. Always involved in the communities in which he lived, Bill was PTA President, City Councilman and President of the County and City Board of Health.

Later promotions brought Bill and his family to Tucson, Arizona where Bill managed various operational aspects including PR and Marketing of treatment centers, eventually becoming a Hospital Administrator at Tucson General. As a Tucson resident for many years, he served on numerous Boards of Directors in the Behavioral Health Field, Executive Associations, the Chamber of Commerce and Medical Group Management Associations. Bill became a noted speaker around the country on behavioral health and substance addiction, and he was the host of a weekly Talk Radio Show on the subject.

Bill and his son’s next move was to Atlanta, Georgia where Bill was a founding member and the Acquisitions and Development Officer for a National Occupational Healthcare organization. It was also here that Bill met his wife, Janet and they were instrumental in helping his son start up his own healthcare practice. Over the last 25 years in Atlanta, Bill’s work in behavioral health and substance addiction remained close to his heart and he continued as a strong leader, motivational speaker and mentor until his final two months.

A lifelong Corvette owner and enthusiast, Bill and Janet joined the Amazing Corvettes Car Club of Gwinnett County, GA and enjoyed many road rallies, cruises, and events as well as the camaraderie and love of fellow Corvette owners. As an avid and low handicap golfer, Bill played courses from Pebble Beach, to Troon, to the Old Course at St. Andrews. He enjoyed organizing men’s league play when he belonged to Horseshoe Bend Country Club and he attended the Masters many times with friends. Bill served the Rivermont community as a director on the HOA and enjoyed spending time with many friends there.

Bill cherished his family immensely. Bill and his son, Wil, were the best of friends. They shared a lifetime love of sports, fast cars and eating out, all of which they’ve inspired in Bill’s two grandsons. The many milestones and special occasions of his life were deeply meaningful to him and he always surrounded his home, cars, and calendars with photos and mementos of them.

Bill’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Janet Henderson Winton; his son, Dr. William R. Winton, III and his wife, Yvette, grandsons, Tyler and Garrett of Johns Creek; and the mother of his son, Sandra Wittenmyer (Roy) of Phoenix, Arizona; as well as his sister-in-law, Joan Henderson Nolte of Tallahassee. Bill was a caring husband, proud father and doting grandfather and the memories his young grandsons have of their Papa Bill will last a lifetime. His friends will always remember Bill’s thoughtfulness in recalling their birthdays, anniversaries, and being the devoted friend he was.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 21 at 3 pm at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2400 Old Alabama Road, Roswell, GA 30076. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In the near future, a memorial service and interment will be held in Carthage, Missouri where Bill’s parents are at rest in the Oak Crest Abbey Park Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF – Georgia Chapter, 3525 Piedmont Rd NE, Bldg. 5, Ste 120, Atlanta, GA 30305 or at JDRF.org.

Please share your memories or condolences with the Winton family at www.roswellfuneralhome.com