Doug Winkler

Douglas Summers Winkler, 89, of Lenoir NC passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning October 30, 2016 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC. Doug was the son of the late John Bunyan (Bun) Winkler and Toye Belle Summers Winkler. Doug attended Lenoir High School and joined the Navy his senior year, not yet 18 years old. He was sworn in on March 1, 1945, in Raleigh, NC. From there he was sent to Great Lakes, Illinois, to boot camp—then to Seattle, Washington Naval Station. He served on the USS Bunker Hill CV-17 in Bremerten, Washington. He was discharged from the Navy at Camp Shelton, Virginia, August 3, 1946 as a Storekeeper 3rd Class. He was in the Naval Reserves as inactive for several years. He then joined a non-paying electronic platoon in Lenoir, NC where he stayed 2 or 3 years. In 1950 he joined a paying unit in Statesville, NC. They were then transferred to units in Winston Salem and Asheville, NC. He retired November 1, 1979 as a Storekeeper First Class and Radio Man. From the time he enlisted in the Navy, he was never released until the day he retired. He was an active reservist during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Doug worked his entire life at Broyhill Furniture Company—44 years. He had a successful career serving as Plant Manager for several years. On October 25, 1947, Doug married Marie Watson. They just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this past Tuesday. Doug is survived by one son Robert D Winkler and wife Susie from Woodstock, GA.; one daughter and caregiver Carolyn J Winkler from Lenoir, NC. One grandson, Rob Winkler and wife Kim of Lenoir; three great- grandchildren, Amber, Samuel and Brianna Winkler children of Rob and Kim, and one great-great grandchild, Paisley Summer Lowe daughter of Amber Winkler and Michael Lowe, all of Lenoir, NC. There are now five living generations in their family. Doug is also survived by one brother Jack Winkler wife Sue (deceased) of Gamewell. Doug is also known as a dedicated church member of Yadkin Baptist Church where he has attended since 1952. He is a lifetime Deacon there also receiving the recognition of “Living Stone” from the church. The family will receive friends Wednesday Nov 2, 2016 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Yadkin Baptist Church, Patterson NC. Service will be at 1 p.m. Inurnment service will immediately follow at the church cemetery with military honors. Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Winkler Family. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com