William “Neal” Winters, Sr., 84, originally from Sebring, FL, died February 2, 2023 in Decatur, AL.
Colonel Winters, USAF, Ret. was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Bates Winters. Neal is the son of Colonel Grover Winters, US Army, Ret. and Mary Neal Winters who preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Winters Smith (Greg) from Decatur, AL, his son William “Bill” N. Winters, Jr. from Montgomery, AL, and his sister Elizabeth Foshee from Montgomery, AL. Neal was also blessed with grandchildren Mitchell Smith (Molly), Emily Smith Booker (Josh), Bethany Smith, and great-grandsons Porter Smith and William Smith. Neal Winters was a graduate of Auburn University, Air Force ROTC. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Full Colonel after 29 years of service. He flew 151 combat missions in the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom fighter jet, including Vietnam. His USAF career also included the Pentagon, Base Commander at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL, Professor of Aerospace Studies at Auburn University, Team Chief of the Air University National Security Briefing Team, and the Persian Gulf conflict. He served as a member and chairman of the board of supervisors of the Sun ‘N Lake community where he and his loving wife Carole lived and enjoyed friends and golf. He worshiped at St. John Methodist Church. Neal’s faith was in Jesus Christ as his Savior and he was ready to spend eternity with God where there is no more pain, suffering, or regret. The family will honor Neal Winters at a memorial service on February 18 at 11:00 at Decatur Presbyterian Church. The family appreciates Riverside Senior Living and Hospice of the Valley for their loving care. Please make donations to Hospice of the Valley in lieu of flowers. Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family.
