Robert Edward Winkler, Sr.'s Obituary
Robert Edward Winkler, Sr. was born in New Orleans on July 5, 1934 to Marion M. Winkler, Sr. and Marie Jensen Winkler. He departed this life around 5 AM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home in Bonifay, Florida after a prolonged illness. The Winkler family moved to Tupelo, Mississippi when Robert was one year old. His father, Marion M. Winkler, Sr. founded M.M. Winkler and Associates, CPAs, a pioneer accounting firm in northern Mississippi. Robert attended the Public Schools of Tupelo and graduated from Tupelo High School in 1952. While in high school, Robert played quarterback for the football team earning All-District recognition and was voted “Best Dressed” his junior and senior years. He also earned his Eagle Scout award from the infamous Troop 12 at First Methodist Church. He then attended the University of Mississippi earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1956. After Ole Miss, Robert earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas, followed by a Master’s Degree of Hospital Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Winkler proceeded to serve as a hospital administrator in multiple hospitals and nursing homes throughout the southeast for over fifty years. He also taught healthcare administration at the University of Mississippi and University of Florida. He served in various leadership positions in several state hospital administration associations, a lifelong member of the Rotary Club and the United Methodist Church. Mr. Winkler was an avid nature lover enjoying his dog “JJ”, numerous feral cats, birds and other animals which would regularly visit his country home outside of Bonifay, Florida.
While at Ole Miss, Robert married the mother of his four children, Bettye Lou Smith in 1954. Bettye passed away in 1999. In 2002, he married his current loving and supportive wife, Melissa Brown who survives him. Two grandsons also precede Mr. Winkler in death, Brett Mayers Winkler and Keith Ryan Carlson. Mr. Winkler is survived by his daughters, Sheree Preston of Homosassa, FL and Robin Carlson (Chris) of Ocean Isle, NC and his sons, Robert E. Winkler, Jr. (Cindy) of Bartlett, TN and William Winkler (Frances) of Gainesville, FL. Surviving grandsons included Jason Winkler (Amber) of Millington, TN, Daniel Preston (Jessica) of Gainesville, FL, Mark Winkler of Memphis, TN and Cyan Winkler of Gainesville, FL.
Great granddaughters include Ruth, Evelyn, and Vivian Winkler all of Millington, TN.
Mr. Winkler is also survived by stepdaughter Rhonda Halstead (Wayne) of State College, PA and stepson Ronnie Mitchem (Stacey) of Dayton, TX. There are five step grandchildren and ten step great grandchildren.
A celebration of life for Mr. Winkler was held at 11:00 at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home in Gainesville, FL. A private family only burial followed at Forest Meadows Memorial Park.
The Winkler family wishes to express their deep appreciation to dedicated care provided by the nurses and home health techs of the Emerald Coast Hospice. Memorials may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice 1330 South Blvd. Chipley, FL 32428.
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