Robert Wininger

Reverend Robert Dale (Bobby) Wininger, peacefully passed from this life into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, while surrounded by his family and dogs in his home. He drew his final breath on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 10:11 am, and opened his eyes to the glories that he preached about for decades.

Robert Dale was born on the 21st day of March, 1952, in the tiny town of Christopher, Illinois. Robert, also known as Bob, was born to his loving mother, Mary Alice (Holland) Wininger and Russel Lee Wininger. Both his parents preceded him in death. Bob married the love of his life, Kathy Jo Wininger, on a cold January morning, in the home of his beloved grandmother, Violet Holland.

Bob worked in the oil business in South Texas prior to being called first into evangelism and later into pastorship with the Church of God organization. He pastored for over 23 years, 21 and half of those years being at the Christopher Church of God. Brother Bob was a friend to the friendless, a fierce defender of his faith, family, and those who couldn't help themselves. He was quick to forgive and slow to anger. Bob would go out of his way to bless and give to people; often paying bills, buying groceries and school clothes, and giving away vehicles to folks who needed them. He loved his congregation dearly, especially his "kids" of the youth group. He called them his future and believed that the time he and Kathy invested into those young people would carry his vision into eternity.

Brother Bob was involved in raising money for missions, buying sewing machines and one even buying a little motorcycle so that a missionary could get supplies from a neighboring village. He taught young girls how to sew and become seamstresses in order to keep them from traffickers. He had socks, gloves, and hat drives to donate to area homeless shelters. His church "kids" served at an Evansville rescue mission, to teach them a servant's heart and to be grateful. Many of Bob and Kathy's youth serve God to this day as adults; a fact that he comforted himself with in his final years. Two years ago, he and Kathy Jo moved to Tennessee to be near their daughter and some of their grandchildren. They soon became members of the Hopewell Church of God. His message to all who will read this is to never give up on yourself or God, hope is never lost and he looks forward to seeing you in glory.

Bob was preceded in death by both parents; maternal grandparents Bill and Violet Holland; paternal grandparents Nellie Mae and Matthew Wininger; grandson Michael Dean Proctor III; uncles Delbert Holland, Harold Wininger and Kenneth Wininger; aunts Onis Banks, Loretta Williams, Inice Orr, Marcella Wininger and Anna Mae Delgy; nieces Amy Wininger and Leah Bunch; nephew Tyler Craig Jones; sister in law Deborah Rena Wininger, brother in law Harry Leslie Hogan; and some good dogs and horses.

Bob is survived by his wife of nearly half a century, Kathy Jo; son Robert Lee Wininger Sr. of Florida; and daughter Stacy Jo (Mike) Proctor Jr. of Tennessee; grandsons Robert Lee Wininger, Jr., Pepper Thomas Wininger, Samuel Isaiah Proctor, Elijah Michael Proctor; granddaughters Brittany J. Laing, Mariah Faith Proctor and Hannah Elizabeth Proctor; brothers W. Lee Wininger and Russell L. (Brenda) Wininger; sisters Myra "June" Hogan and Ivy Grammer; nephew Russell Wininger, Jr.; nieces Lisa Rena Wininger (Craig Jones), Stacey Lynn Wininger Chaffin, Stephanie Kathleen Hogan; great nephew Landon Richard Ellis; great nieces Morgan Rena Jones (David) Frey, Natalie Mathena, Savannah Bunch Kemp, Leslie Bryanne Ellis (Roger Kolaski); aunt Dottye Holland; great aunt Bonnie Cotrell and uncle Ralph Williams; a multitude of cousins and many lifelong friends that he considered family including Gary Braden, Ed Braden, and Ralph Jones.

A special thank you to the staff of Gentiva Hospice of Tennessee. Their nursing staff was absolutely wonderful and treated our father with dignity and respect during the last weeks of his life.

A memorial service will be held on March 23, 2024, beginning at 11 am at the Hopewell Church of God, Cleveland, TN, with Brother Cliff Water officiating.

An Illinois memorial will take place at a later date that will be announced by the family.