Obituary of Ray Winton
Charles Ray Winton, 92, Coalmont, Tennessee’s favorite son, passed away at his daughter’s home in Hillsboro on the 31st of May 2022 surrounded by his family who loved him deeply.
Ray Winton was born in Coalmont on the 16th of February 1930 and was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Nina Campbell Winton, his brothers Dale, Jamie, Wayne, and Howard; a sister, Nannie Mae, who died as a child, and his beloved sister Ruth Northcutt; best friends Sam Creighton and Larry Roberts.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris McCormick Winton; his daughters, Lisa Crabtree of Decherd, Marcheta (David) Darnell of Kelso, and Laurie Winton of Hillsboro; Grandchildren Megan (Nathan Green), Tiffany (Steven) McKee, Sam Darnell, granddaughter-in-law Tami Darnell; Great-grandchildren Macey, Madison, and Cooper Green; Gage and Garrison McKee.
Ray has also been the patriarch of his extended Winton family for decades and thus is also survived by his loving nieces Wilma Trussler, Anita Pennell, Verna Lynn Johnson, Gayle VanHooser, and Shannon Winton Owens; nephews Mike Winton and Bobby Winton. Ray has been a leader in his community in various capacities and leaves behind a long line of extended family, friends, and former students who loved him and will miss him deeply.
Asked to carry his physical body to its final resting place as pallbearers are grandsons Sam Darnell, Nathan Green, and Steven McKee; son-in law, David Darnell; nephews Jay Trussler and Bobby Winton. Those named as honorary pallbearers include lifelong friends Dale Phipps and Tommy Curtis; cousin J. L. Winton, long time friends Melvin Roberts, Ricky Richards, and Paul Sherrill.
Ray was an exceptional English teacher, football and basketball coach who was tough and expected your best effort. But ask his family and they’ll tell you how often students and players came back years later to tell Mr. Winton how much they learned from him.
A dedicated preacher of the gospel, Ray became a Christian and member of the church of Christ in 1948. He preached for over 60 years at congregations in Palmer, Coalmont, Daus, and Sherwood, conducted scores of funerals, and led singing at gospel meetings all over the mountain. After his retirement, he continued to fill in for churches in Grundy, Franklin, Marion, and Warren counties.
Ray was a proud US Army veteran who served in the Korean War and was a lifelong supporter of veterans activities in his community. A gifted storyteller and historian, he was often consulted to provide information about family lineages and community and county history. He was invited to speak at many veterans events and community gatherings.
The impact of Ray’s life on those around him is immeasurable as evidenced by the number of lives he touched. He received a number of awards which he cherished including, to name a few:
Coalmont Elementary School East Wing dedicated to him for his service in the field of education; Grundy County Veterans Historical Society Patriotism Award 2012; Grundy County Sports Hall of Fame 2015; Tennessee Governor’s Stars Volunteer Award 2016; Grundy County Veterans Historical Society Veteran of the Year 2019.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 3rd from 4:00 pm-9:00 pm at Layne Funeral Home in Altamont and from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm on Saturday, June 4th. Mr. Winton’s service will be at 2:00 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel and will be officiated by his 3 daughters. Interment will be at Coalmont Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sequatchie Valley Honor Guard following the service with nephew Jay Trussler and grandson Nathan Green officiating. Flowers are appreciated; if you would prefer, the family requests that donations in Mr. Winton’s name be directed to the Multi-County Cancer Support Network (www.mccsn.org) or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (www.imaginationlibrary.com) designating donations to either Grundy or Franklin counties.
www.laynefuneralhome.com
