Donnie Lee Winders

ROCKY MOUNT - Donnie Lee Winders, age 69, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on June 23, 1950, he was the son of the late George Lee Winders and Patti Taylor Winders New. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, William "Bill" New. Donnie was a faithful member of Oakview Baptist Church for many years along with his wife, Rita. As a veteran of the United States Army, he lived the Army's values throughout his life and taught his children the true meaning of dedication, loyalty, and patriotism. Donnie retired from the City of Rocky Mount as the city's fleet maintenance supervisor, a responsibility he cared deeply for. Although he may have fulfilled his supervisory duty to the City of Rocky Mount, his unique and commanding managerial instincts prevailed on and Donnie would always make a point to remind those who may have forgotten in a light-hearted yet meaningful way. Following his retirement, he especially enjoyed taking trips to his beach home, where he could almost always be found taking in the ocean view, or as his grandchildren would call it "Papa's pond", from his wooden swing which provided him much deserved moments of peacefulness. Any other time he might could be found tuned into Fox News. However, his most revered moments were those spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Donnie was a loving and dedicated husband, a caring father and grandfather, brother, father in law, and a dear friend to many and will be forever missed and never forgotten. Donnie leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 50 years, Rita Hollifield Winders; son, Christopher "Chris" Scott Winders and wife, Karyn; and daughter, Jennifer Winders Lynch and her husband, Shaun. He is also survived by grandchildren, Harley Winders, David Winders, Jordan Lynch, Ashelyne Lynch, Logan Lynch; brother, Ronnie Winders and wife, Jamie; sisters, Cathy Winders Hollifield and husband, James, Rose Edwards and husband, Tommy, Jo Boyette and husband Butch. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. David Taylor and Dr. Jeff Chappell officiating. A private burial will be held at a later time at Pineview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made in Donnie's memory to either Oakview Baptist Church, 2412 Arlington St, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, or to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Daniel Crocker and his staff at the Eastern Medical Group for their care and professionalism throughout this difficult time. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 1/3, 10:00 am - 10:30 am Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Service Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 1/3, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. David Taylor and Dr. Jeff Chappell officiating.