Joe Winfrey's Obituary
Joe Wallace Winfrey, son of George and Eunice Kenoly Winfrey, was born February 28, 1932, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Friday, March 31, 2006, in Cox Medical Center South, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-four years, one month, and three days. On October 7, 1987, he was united in marriage to Sandra Diane Hilliard, and together they shared the last twenty-seven years. His parents, two brothers, George and Donald Winfrey, and a sister, Renae Al Hardee, preceded him in death. Joe is survived by his wife, Sandra, of the home; a stepson, Melvin E. Hilliard, Jr., of Los Angeles, California; two brothers, Milton “Lester” Winfrey, and his wife, Sharolyn, of Sacramento, California, and David Winfrey, and his wife, Linda, of Pomona, California; three sisters, Mildred Horne, and her husband, Charles, of Detroit, Michigan, Patricia Vines, of the State of Virginia, and Jenny Bracey, of Harker Heights, Texas; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Winfrey, of Lebanon, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; several cousins; two goddaughters, Michelle Collins, of Los Angeles, California, and Carol Dixon, of Prescott, Arizona; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in Lebanon, Missouri. He then graduated from W. T. Vernon High School and Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. He served his country faithfully in the United States Navy as a medic and dental technician for four years. In 1955, he made his home in California where he worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District for thirty-five years, and continued to further his education. After retiring, he and Sandra came back to Lebanon, Missouri, where Joe worked at the Ramey’s Store for five years. Joe made his profession of belief in Christ early in his life and followed the Baptist faith throughout the years. In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were fishing and gardening. He also was an avid reader and liked working crossword puzzles. He loved his family dearly and held a special fondness for children. Joe was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2006, in the Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be immediately following the service. Services are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri.
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