George “Stevie” Winfrey, 66, of Louisville, KY (Russell/Adair County Native), went to his heavenly home on Monday, June 19, 2023. Born into a dairy farming family in Crocus, KY, George spent his childhood milking and caring for cows, harvesting tobacco, and helping with the myriad of tasks required to maintain a farm. His grandparents and aunts lived just across the road. He fondly remembered their community get-togethers, visits from his uncles and cousins, and his grandmother’s apple hand pies. When he wasn’t with the Winfreys, he was in Springfield visiting his mother’s family, his MaAnn, and Daddy John. He grew up surrounded by love.
George was an avid reader and a musician. After graduating from Russell County High School, he went on to college as a music major. He joined the Eastern Kentucky University Phi Beta Sigma fraternity in 1977, gaining brothers he kept for life. He enlisted in the Army before completing his undergraduate degree, but later earned a business degree at McKendree. He went on to get a graduate degree in Management from Troy University.
As a Soldier, George served in the Adjutant General’s Corps. He used that experience when he transitioned to his civilian career as a Human Resources professional. Most of his career was spent in the trucking and telecommunications industries.
George was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 2020. He resigned himself to professional retirement in 2021 as the disease was visibly impacting his gait, coordination, and energy. His last role was at Charter Communications (Spectrum) where he loved to greet the employees and meet with them where they worked. The last years of his life were difficult as ALS slowly stole his independence. He was a man of faith; Bible study and prayer kept his spirit strong. Messages, calls, and visits from friends and family were also a great consolation to him, as were pots of chili and slices of apple or rhubarb pie.
Those close to George will remember him for his love of the UK Wildcats, the Minnesota Vikings (and any team that beat Green Bay), Steely Dan, comics (Marvel over DC), anime, cooking & good wine, running & gym-time, basketball & football, all the Star Treks, and Old Forester.
SURVIVORS:
His mother: Mary Florence Winfrey
His wife: Michelle Rogers-Winfrey
3 sons: Travis Winfrey, Dillon Winfrey and Joshua Winfrey
2 daughters: Ryan Winfrey (Kendrick) and Anna Winfrey
1 granddaughter: Charlotte Rose Johnson
1 sister: Anna Maria Franklin
2 brothers: Vincent Winfrey (Avis) and Mark Winfrey
Aunts: Harlene Hartwell and Cynthia Bowling
Many cousins, nieces, nephews, & friends
He was preceded in death by his father, William Thomas Winfrey.
Funeral Mass: Thursday, June 29, 2023 10:00amET at St. Patrick Catholic Church,1000 N. Beckley Station Road, Louisville, KY
Visitation: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 5:00pm-7:00pmET at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive Louisville, KY and after 9:00amET on Thursday at St. Patrick Catholic Church
This obituary is a courtesy of Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in Columbia, KY.
