John Neal "Tubby" Winstead, Sr.

On July 31st, John Neal "Tubby" Winstead, Sr., surrounded by his family and friends, got an angel escort to heaven to be with his God. Known to his friends as Tubby, and to his family as Daddy, Dad, Honey, Precious, Poppa, Mayor and many other fond and loving names, John leaves behind great memories, accomplishments, loving family and friends. For a man who grew up by humble means, he leaves a legacy and a belief of God, Family, Community and Country. He believed anything could be accomplished with desire, belief and hard work. His priorities in life were lovingly taking care of his family, as well as ensuring that his children had opportunities for success in life. He put others first without regard to personal sacrifice. He was a friend to many and it could probably be said that he never met a stranger. Throughout his entire life, he demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and rigid moral values. John was born February 19, 1927, on the very property where he lived most of his life, to the late Luther H. and Essie Ridings Winstead of McEwen. Youngest son and one of eleven children he was always working to help his father who ran the City of McEwen's water works. With a tremendous sense of duty, John joined the Navy shortly after his 17th birthday in 1944, following the example of two older brothers in military service. He served honorably aboard the USS Puget Sound CVE-113, as escort air craft carrier, until the war's end. He was discharged in 1946. After his return home he married Barbara Helen Hooper on January 3, 1948. John and Barbara were blessed with five children and seven grandchildren after 66 years of marriage. John served the public for many years in different positions. He began his community service with his election in 1949 to the McEwen Board of Aldermen as part of the Progressive Veteran's ticket. In 1972 he was elected as a Humphreys County Magistrate. Then after retiring from the Tennessee Valley Authority, in 1991, with 20 years of service, John began his first term as Mayor of McEwen. He served three consecutive terms, and retired from public service in 2003. During his three terms as Mayor, he worked tirelessly toward the improvement of the town he dearly loved by helping create a new playground for the town's children. He was instrumental in the construction of a new post office, purchase of a new City Hall and construction of a second fire hall and bringing scores of new jobs to the community. In addition to his public service, he was a member of the McEwen United Methodist Church for 61 years where he served on many committees. John is survived by his wife Barbara Helen Hooper Winstead, Knoxville, TN, and his four children: Donna Winstead Redwine (the late Joseph Reese Redwine) Knoxville, TN, John Neal Winstead Jr. (Dianne) Goodlettsville, TN, James Hershel Winstead (Lane) Old Hickory, TN, and Joel David Winstead (Suzanne) Castle Rock, CO; six grandchildren: Capt. David Douglas Redwine, USAF (fiance Casey) Charleston, SC, Kelsey Winstead Turley (Hubert King Turley IV) South Bend, IN, Christopher Joel Winstead, Knoxville, TN, John Hooper Hughes Winstead, Bowling Green, KY, James Nicholson Winstead, Cookeville, TN, Jacqueline Nichole Winstead, Old Hickory, TN, and three siblings: James T. (Caleb) Winstead (the late Terry VanBerckelaer), Waverly, TN, Essie Irene Tyler (James C.), McEwen, TN, Mary Sue Tankersley (the late Mitchell Brown Tankersley), Waverly, TN, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. John was predeceased by daughter: Linda Ann Winstead, granddaughter: Katherine Smith Winstead, mother and father; Essie and Luther H. Winstead, Sr., and siblings; Florence I. Winstead, Lawrence C. Winstead, Dixie Nell Lehman (James Leonard Lehman), Luther H. Winstead, Jr., Bessie Jo Long (Carl Long), Martha Lucille Nicks (Lyle Matthews), and Sarah Knight Winstead. Friends will be received at Luff-Bowen Funeral Home in McEwen, TN, on Monday, August 4, 2014, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Memorial service, officiated by Rev. Jim Fields and assisted by Rev. Joan Hubbard, will follow at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John Neal "Tubby" Winstead, Sr. to: Alzheimer's of Tennessee, Inc. 5801 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919-6340 Or online at www.alzTennessee.org Or Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 CFC# 11425 Or online at woundedwarriorproject.org LUFF-BOWEN FUNERAL HOME 9729 Hwy. 70 East McEwen, TN 37101 Telephone 931-582-6271 Obituary Line 931-296-2437