Winter Forests, aka Sigmond Lane Smith was born March 16, 1950 in Nashville, Tennessee and passed away May 5, 2021 in New Hope, Alabama after an extended illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Dickinson and Sigmund Lloyd Weathers. He was adopted by his step-father James Smith.
Winter is survived by his sister, Cynthia (Jerry) Scott of New Hope, and his fur baby Annie.
Winter graduated from Butler High School and played in the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band before enlisting in the Army to fight in Vietnam. He earned his Bachelor and Master’s degrees at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He taught English at Calhoun Community College and worked for many years a the Historic Huntsville Depot as a tour guide. Because of his extensive knowledge, Winter wrote articles for Huntsville Historic Society publications. He was a popular tour guide for the Huntsville and Decatur Ghost Walks, volunteer in the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll and theatrical events for local charities. Winter will be remembered for his devotion to his friends, his sense of humor, his extensive knowledge of many subjects, the oddities he carried in his pockets, his love of animals and Dr. Pepper, an das the first to volunteer for worthy causes. No one will forget his trademark clothing: black hat, black vest, white shirt, and cowboy boots or pink UGGS.
A memorial service will be held May 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Historic Huntsville Depot.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greater Huntsville Humane Society, 2812 Johnson Road, Huntsville, AL 35805.
