Benjamin Winnie
On December 27, 2018, after a valiant battle with cancer, Benjamin Raymond Winnie went to be with God. He was 73 years old and of the Methodist faith. He was surrounded by family and passed peacefully.
Ben was a resident of South Pittsburg, Tn., where he enjoyed the slower paced, country lifestyle.
Known as Benny to his friends and family, he was born at Campbell’s Clinic in Chattanooga on a snowy day on Jan. 29, 1945, to Arthur and Carzella (Spiva) Winnie. He graduated from Red Bank High School in 1963. While at Red Bank, Benny was voted most popular numerous times, captain of the football team, and was active in the Key Club serving as both vice president and president. His ability on the football field earned him a scholarship to the University of Chattanooga where he was a very promising, upcoming player. However, injuries cut his athletic career short.
From there, he worked a short time with the J.I. Brown Tree Company, as well as serving in the Tennessee Army National Guard. That experience gained him employment with The Electric Power Board where he achieved the status of journeyman lineman and worked as a lineman, trouble shooter and system operator. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 175 serving as steward and on numerous safety committees. When he retired, he had served the community for 38 years.
Benny was a devoted, caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was married to the love of his life, Janet, for 41 years. He was articulate and could express himself in a professional way despite his rural image. Benny was adamant about education. Seeing his son and grand children attend and graduate from The McCallie School, Boyd-Buchanan School, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Tennessee Technological University was a source of great pride and gratification for him. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports, perform in musical concerts and rarely missed a performance or game.
Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Carzella Winnie.
He is survived by his wife, Janet E. Winnie; former wife, Arlene Rogers (Buddy); sister, Lee Etta Jordan; son, Mike Winnie and daughter-in-law, Lori; grandchildren, Taylor Elaine Winnie and Evan Benjamin Winnie; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 30, from 3-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Dec. 31, at 2 pm at the funeral home with interment to follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are held by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Benjamin Winnie