John Reynolds Winston

OBITUARY

John Reynolds Winston was born on October 27, 1944, at home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Joseph Winston Sr. and Rosie Franklin Winston. From his earliest days, he carried with him a deep love for family, faith, and service that would define his life.

He graduated from Rosa A. Temple High School in 1963 then proudly served his country in the United States Army for several years. Stationed in Germany, his dedication, discipline, and commitment to duty earned him the rank of Specialist. After leaving the military John relocated to Aurora Illinois where he worked briefly for the FBI in Chicago before beginning his permanent career at Caterpillar Inc.

On February 6, 1971, John married Wendy Dannewitz. Their marriage was a lasting partnership built on love, devotion, and shared memories across more than five decades being blessed with three children.

John was gifted with a strong mechanical ability which he developed into a lifelong career in the automotive maintenance field. He dedicated over 30 years of hard work to Caterpillar Inc., where his reliability and work ethic earned the respect of those around him. Alongside his primary employment, John operated his own automotive repair service with a focus on supporting the community through honest, affordable vehicle maintenance. After retirement, he returned home to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he worked diligently to develop and improve his homeland while supporting the community with his mechanical skills.

A man of strong faith, John served as a deacon at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, living out his beliefs through service and leadership. He will be remembered for his extreme work ethic, calm patience, kindness, and selfless dedication to assisting others.

John departed his earthly life on February 4th. He was preceded in homegoing by his father, Joseph Winston Sr.; his mother, Rosie Franklin Winston; his siblings, Joseph Jr., James, Nellie Wilson, Rosemary Pendleton, and Savannah Winston; his baby daughter, Danielle and baby great grandson, Kobe Nickleson.

To cherish his memory he leaves his wife, Wendy Winston (Dannewitz); his children, Elizabeth Jones (Eric), Derrick Winston (Colleen), and Kevin Winston (Jennifer); his grandchildren, Ashanti, Shon (Jordyn), Dezia, C.J. (Sarah), Damian (Kaylee), Nicholas, and Janesa; his great grandchildren, Jayden, Jeremiah, Elliana, Elliot, Kameronn, Mariyanna, Ember, Kyzer, Rainlee, Ryker, Evelyn, Even, and Kyrie; and his siblings, Georgianna Taylor and Benjamin Winston (Gloria).