CASTALIA – Frederick Prokop Winner, age 82, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024. Born in New Hanover County, NC on August 26, 1941, he was the son of the late Frederick Southerland Winner and Georgia Sebera Winner. Fred was also preceded in death by his wife, Marie Vlk Winner.
Fred was a lifelong member of Father James Schomber Knights of Columbus Local Council 4600 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, holding every officer position throughout his tenure, including Grand Knight. He was a 4th Degree Knight of the Coastal Plains Assembly 1899. He proudly served his Country in the United States Army and played the clarinet in the Army’s Military Reserve Band. Fred, also known as KE4LXW on Amateur (HAM) Radio, held various titles during his time in the Tar River Amateur Radio Association. He was a long-time volunteer with the Red Cross, loved riding his golf cart, traveling, going on cruises, and loved to feed and watch the hummingbirds. He loved to work on genealogy for his family, but also helped many other families and organizations. Fred loved to work and tinker with projects to pass time and enjoyed teaching his sons different trades over the years. He was also very active in the Castalia Community in the past, including playing a big part in the town’s July 4th Celebration. After his time helping with the event, he loved attending the event and watching the parade every year after. Above all, Fred loved spending time with his family, along with gardening with his daughters. He was a family man, and extremely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He made a difference in the life of everyone who knew him, and he leaves behind a tremendous legacy of life, love, and laughter.
Fred is survived by his 14 children: Michael Winner and wife Marcie of Crestview, FL, Timothy Winner of Goldsboro, Cynthia Lawrence and husband William of Louisburg, Brian Winner and wife Linda of Kill Devil Hills, Diane Jones and husband Eric of Nashville, Christopher Winner and wife Melissa of Battleboro, Katherine Davis and husband Michael of Rocky Mount, Jeremy Winner and wife Heather of Battleboro, Susan Wilder and husband Lee of Castalia, Karen Ashlaw and husband Jerry of Castalia, Jason Winner of Castalia, Lisa Carpenter and husband Chris of Castalia, Jennifer Harrell and husband Chason of Mount Juliet, TN, and Joseph Winner and wife Rachel of Tarboro; 18 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and his beloved cat, Angel.
All are invited to attend the Rosary service on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with family visitation starting at 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 with Father Nick Cottrill officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fred’s memory to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and/or Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2227 NC-39, Louisburg, NC 27549.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
Will miss & love you always Dad!
Pics taken Christmas Day 2023
Freddy
My heartbreaks that I didn’t get to see you before Christmas when you were up in Virginia his past year. You were a wonderful Godfather and cousin to both me and Autumn. I will always remember also you coming to my wedding in Florida and it made it so much more special.
Until we meet again
Love Michele Galderise Schulte
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them,
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Prayers and love to the Winner family.
Paul, Betsy, Bryce, and Bennett Marsee’
Lisa and family, so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how much you love and are going to miss him. Just treasure your precious moments together . You will all be in my prayers. Love and deepest sympathy, Judy Adams
Your father was a precious soul that will be dearly missed. Praying for peace & comfort during this difficult time. With Love-
Michael & Marcie,Our sincere condolences on your father’s passing. Our prayers to you and your family. God Bless,John & Wendy Vargo & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Johnny, Edie, and Missy Watkins. Specialized Hauling LLC
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I was so very sorry to learn of the passing of Fred. He was a good old soul who truly loved his family. His dedication to his family, friends, church, community, and country were all exemplified through many acts of love and kindness throughout the years. We all have to admire him for the legacy he leaves through his children and their families, the volunteer work he did after retirement, his service to his country in the U.S. Army, and many more deeds, too many to list. His family always showed him love in return too and were there whenever he needed them. His children came together and had a special 80th birthday celebration for Fred a couple years ago and I was a guest there. Fred was smiling ear to ear and he had a wonderful time. I am so glad they honored him like that. He always looked so happy in the midst of all his children. My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to all of his family. I know y’all are gonna miss him dearly, but he will always be right there in your heart. May Fred rest in peace in his heavenly home on the wings of beautiful angels!
Sue Ellen Carpenter
The best father a daddy’s girl could ask for!