Ruffin Norris Winstead

ELM CITY - Ruffin Norris Winstead, age 79, went on to be with his Lord Monday, October 24, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Nash County, NC on December 21, 1936, he was the son of the late Henry Ruffin Winstead and Emily Joyner Winstead. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 48+ years, Joyce Reams Winstead; brother, Cecil Winstead; sisters, Virginia Bass, Edith Pate, Audrey Joyner, Ida Ruth Medlin, Olivia Flora, and Maxine Deans. Norris was a graduate of Coopers "University", Class of 1956. He proudly served his country in the North Carolina Army National Guard for 13+ years. He also was a dedicated follower of Christ and a lifelong member of the Gideons International Ministry, Rocky Mount, NC Camp for 31+ years. Norris is survived by his caring wife, Helen Boyd Winstead; his sons, Tim Winstead and wife, Becky, of Sandy Cross, NC and Todd Winstead and wife, Bonnie, of Chesapeake, VA; brother, Dixie Lee Winstead; sister, Jenell Rose; grandchildren, Joshua Bourne and CJ Patrick; along with countless nieces, nephews, family and dear friends. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Oak View Baptist Church, 2412 Arlington Street, Rocky Mount with Rev. David Taylor and Rev. Bill Pike officiating. Visitation with the family will be at 1:00 PM prior the service. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gideons International, Rocky Mount Camp, PO Box 1851, Rocky Mount, NC 27802-1851. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and 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 Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 10/27, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Oak View Baptist Church 2412 Arlington Street Rocky Mount, NC 27801 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-5975 --> | Friday 10/28, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Service Oak View Baptist Church 2412 Arlington Street Rocky Mount, NC 27801 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-5975 --> | Friday 10/28, 2:00 pm Cemetery Forest Hill Cemetery 350 North 1st Street, Ext. Nashville, NC 27856