Richard Nathaniel Winfrey, Sr.

Richard Nathaniel Winfrey Sr. was born to Arthur and Mattie Winfrey on March 28,1935 in Farmington, West Virginia. He was one of four children. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings.

Richard enlisted in the United States Navy, June of 1954. He proudly served his country for 32 yrs and 8 months before being honorably discharged. Richard was extremely proud of his accomplishments and his service to our country. During his service, he received many awards and medals including: the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Gallantry Cross Medal, the Antarctica Service Medal (Deep Freeze – 72), a Meritorious Unit Commendation (two times), the Humanitarian Service Medal, a Navy Letter of Commendation from SECNAV (Secretary of the Navy), and FOUR Good Conduct Awards. After his retirement from the Navy, he went on to work in a Civil Service position where he was able to continue assisting the Navy in the same field that he specialized in while enlisted.

When Richard retired from his duties in the Civil Service position, he worked as a lab courier for several years, and after fully retiring, he spent his time volunteering. He worked as a volunteer for St. Anne Hospital (formally Highline Medical Center) for almost 15 years. He volunteered in several areas but mostly served as a volunteer in the Cancer Center. Until his passing, he regularly spoke of “his cancer patients”, even when his health prevented him from going back to his volunteer duties at the hospital. He also loved to spend time volunteering wherever he could in his church. His faithful service to God and his church family fulfilled him.

Richard was a big advocate for helping anyone in need and never hesitated to give to those who truly had a need. He supported many causes, including multiple missionaries, both through his church and privately, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Children's Hospital, Fred Hutch Cancer Research, and multiple other organizations.

To keep himself busy during his retirement, Richard enjoyed his quality time with everyone he could. He faithfully visited Andy’s filling station to “shoot the breeze” and drink coffee, had ongoing lunch and dinner dates with many friends, enjoyed hanging out with new friends at his apartment’s community events, spoke to his dear friends and family all over the world via the telephone, and was the BEST at sending cards to everyone he cared about!

Throughout his life, Richard was blessed with 4 children. Two of his daughters, Alisa Marie Winfrey (Dayton, OH), and Vernita Winfrey (Dayton, OH), preceded him in death. He is survived by his remaining children; Drameka C. Blair of Phenix City, AL, and Richard N. Winfrey Jr. (Sandra) of Portland, CO. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, Trey Pouncil, LaToya Winfrey, Brandon Winfrey, and Donte Winfrey, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Richard was a God-fearing man who has left behind many church members, both past and present, whom he considered family, as well as countless relatives, and a plethora of very dear friends.

Richard left this Earth peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior at 1:20AM Thursday, January 2, 2025. His dear friend, Karen, and his pastor, Ronal, were by his side. For everyone left behind who had the pleasure of knowing him, loving him, and calling him family or friend, he will be greatly missed. He was one-of-a-kind. His big heart, his bright spirit and big smile are something that the world could use a little more of.

For those of us he leaves behind, he leaves us with these words he had written to help us find solace: “I have lived a good life with no regrets” and “Death is the last part of life on Earth. I’m just passing through to a BETTER life with God.”