Ralph Winchester

Waynesville-Ralph Benjamin "Ben" Winchester, age 75, of 877 Oakdale Road, died in Haywood Regional Medical Center on April 22, 2004 after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer. Ben was a native and life-long resident of Haywood County, born on November 1, 1928 to Henry Ralph and Julia Ann Smith Winchester. Although not a formally educated man, Ben was known to all who knew him well as a "jack-of-all-trades," especially in woodworking, with a creative and inventive mind. It was not uncommon for him to modify and successfully improve purchased items to suit his own needs. Ben was also known as a deeply committed Christian, having served in various church roles throughout his life. Most recently, he attended Shady Grove United Methodist Church, where he was an active member of the church choir and Bible study group. Family was of utmost importance to Ben, and he proved this throughout his life by being a constant and faithful husband, father, and grandfather. His family will be forever grateful for all of his sacrifices, hard work, and love. Ben served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 and was employed by Dayco Corporation in Waynesville for 36 years. After retirement in 1990, he took up painting as a hobby, and was quickly recognized as having substantial talent. Being a lover of God's creations, he often painted nature scenes. Ben was preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as a sister, Nancy Winchester Dills of North Wilkesboro. Ben is survived by his loving wife of almost 49 years, Carol Webb Winchester, of Waynesville; a daughter, Kathy Winchester Glass and her husband, Gary, of Candler; a son, Michael Ralph Winchester, and his wife, Nancy Ketner Winchester, of Germantown, Maryland; four grandchildren, Jeremy and Sheila Glass of Candler and Bethanie and Molly Winchester of Germantown, Maryland; two sisters, Laura Winchester Simmonds of Waynesville and Dorothy (Dot) Winchester Miller, of Darien, Georgia; one brother, Edward Winchester, of Waynesville; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be held at Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, 2004 with Reverend Timothy Whittington and Reverend Charlie Sams officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2004 at Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Waynesville where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services. The nephews will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice, 560 Leroy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.

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