James Larry Winters died at his home on May 26th following his very courageous battle with a lengthy illness. Born March 15, 1943, to James and Mary Alice Winters, in Florence Alabama, Larry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Patricia Anderson Winters; sons, Patrick William Winters and wife, Kristin of Jackson, Tennessee, and Benjamin Eastman Winters and wife, Laura, of Franklin, Tennessee; and grandchildren, Grace Katherine and Hailey Nicole Winters, of Jackson. His family was closest to his heart and Larry could often be overheard saying that he derived his greatest joys from his two sons.
Known for his deep faith, quick wit, infectious laughter, unselfishness, and optimistic spirit, Larry graduated from the University of Tennessee where he found true brotherhood in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, in particular the “Melrose Group” and “Brothers Bill”. Larry had a thirst for learning which led to his receiving advanced degrees from the University of Southern California and Vanderbilt University. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army serving as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and was the recipient of numerous recognitions for his courage in combat including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, one Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and numerous air medals of which he was quietly very proud. He loved his country and served it valiantly.
Larry was a manufacturing operations manager for several large corporations throughout the country. Upon his retirement in 2004, he undertook another career in real estate. A faithful member of Church Street UMC, Larry belonged to the Pathfinders Sunday school class, served as an usher, and was a valued volunteer in the Soup Kitchen.
The family expresses special thanks to the caring staff of Vanderbilt Pulmonary Clinic: Dr. James Loyd, Wendi Mason, and Kathleen Kinser.
The family will receive friends in the chapel at Church Street United Methodist Church, 900 Henley Street, Knoxville, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, followed by a celebration of life at 6 p.m. Larry was a supporter of Fisher House Foundation which provides temporary housing for veterans undergoing medical treatment. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to this organization at 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike, is serving the Winters family, clickfh.com.
