Grayson Ford Winters

Published 9:34 am Monday, July 13, 2015

Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Grayson Ford Winters, 69, Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to be with his Lord after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at his home at the time of his death.
Grayson was of the Christian faith. He was a quiet man with a quick wit. Grayson was from a time when a man was his word; he strongly believed in honesty and integrity. Grayson had strong family values and struggled with grief over the last year due to the loss of his wife, Rhonda, who lost her cancer battle one year ago. He loved his grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. His great-grandson, Brody, was a special light in his life. Grayson had a constant loving companion in his dog, Sam.
Grayson was the son of the late Paul and Mildred Winters, formerly of Hampton. He graduated from Hampton High School and the Donaldson Police Academy in 1978. He was retired from the Elizabethton Police Department and the First Judicial Drug Task Force, where he served as director for 12 years. There were many drug operations under his leadership. Grayson loved his work in law enforcement and took great pride in getting drugs off the streets. After his time with the Drug Task Force, Grayson returned to the Elizabethton Police Department and was promoted to Sergeant. Prior to medical retirement, he finished out his career as a detective in criminal investigations. Grayson mentored many young officers and made lifelong friends throughout his career in law enforcement.
In addition to his parents, Grayson was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Rhonda Winters; a sister, Jeanette Allen; a brother, Richard Winters; and several nieces and nephews.
Survivors include his children, Deanna McInturff and husband Tim, Elizabethton, Gregory Winters and wife Nikki, Elizabethton, and Pam Ward, Jonesborough; grandchildren, Blake Ward, Drew Ward, Daniel McInturff, Katharyne Bailey, Kayla Winters, Kassie Winters and Cloe’ Winters; a great-grandson, Brody McInturff; a sister, Brenda Taylor and husband Gene; a brother, Charles Winters and wife Linda; a brother-in-law, Marvin Allen; and a sister-in-law, Gloria Winters. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor the life of Grayson Ford Winters will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services with Rev. Rusty Verran and Rev. Doug Hartley officiating. Honor Guard will be provided by the Elizabethton Police Department. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, prior to the service, or at the residence at anytime. The committal and entombment service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Frank Peters, Elonza Perkins, Daniel McInturff, Justin Bailey, Roger Deal, John Rainbolt, Don Taylor and Mike Winters. Honorary pallbearers will be Blake Ward, Drew Ward, Eddie McGee, Phil Asher, Daryl Garland and all police officers, detectives and drug agents that Grayson worked with during his law enforcement career. Everyone will meet at the funeral home at 12:15 p.m. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family would like to express a special thanks to all who provided such loving care to Grayson: Avalon Hospice Care; Tina Cantrell, Jessica Hodge; special friends, Margie Valentine and Violet Trivette; special son-in-law, Tim McInturff; special brother, Charles Winters; and special sister, Brenda Taylor. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make donations to the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Spina Bifida Program/The Junior League Fetal Center at Vanderbilt, 11103 Doctor’s Office Tower, 2200 Children’s Way, Nashville, TN 37232-9080. Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the Winters family. Office (423) 543-5544.

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