Mr. Joe Ray Winters

Joe Ray Winters, born on June 13, 1937, in Kentwood, LA to the late Jim and Alice Miller Winters, peacefully departed this life on Friday, December 15, 2023, at his Kentwood residence, surrounded by his devoted family. In matrimony since October 13, 1958, to Yvonne Cambell, their union was blessed with six children: Joe Anthony, Oliver, Bruce, Elonda, Christopher, & LaTonya. And he cherished his family with profound love. Joe dedicated himself to hard work, commencing his professional journey in 1955 at Allen Brothers Feed Mill in Kentwood, where he tirelessly delivered feed and farming supplies for 16 years. Transitioning to the Tangipahoa Parish School System, he served the Kentwood area as Bus Driver for 28 years, making history as the first African American Owner Operator for the school system, setting a precedent for his community. Simultaneously, he blazed trails in law enforcement, becoming the inaugural African American hire at the Kentwood Police Department, where he faithfully served for 38 years until his retirement in 2009. Beyond his professional achievements, He was known to many in the community as "Uncle Joe!", he took a special delight in encouraging younger ones to seek high education and to stay out of trouble. Among that, Joe Ray cultivated a love for gardening, tending to expansive plots of watermelon, peas, greens, squash, okra, peanuts, and various vegetables. His culinary delights included fried fish, gumbo, honey buns, and moon pies. On December 31, 2011, Joe Ray Winters embraced a spiritual journey, being baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He often expressed that this decision was among the best in his life. Alongside his wife Yvonne, he found joy in serving God, dedicating himself to the ministry until his last breath. His steadfast dedication to Jehovah spanned 13 full years as of the 31st of this month. Joe Ray Winters leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 65 years, Yvonne Winters; four children: Bruce Winters, Elonda Miller (Ronald), Christopher Winters (Sharice Cook), and LaTonya Smith (Kendrick); seven grandchildren: LeKyra Dunn, Quadry Givs, LaKrystal Cook, Dylan Sibley, Kendrick Isaiah Smith, Miracle Winters, and Thomas Chance Winters; five great-grandchildren: Deziah Steele, Steven Steele, Kahari Steele, Au'drea Lott, and Princeton Clayton; and three sisters: Irene Banks, Josephine Duncan, and Mary Henderson. He was preceded in death by his parents: Alice Miller and Jim Winters; two children: Joe Anthony Winters and Oliver Winters; two brothers: Estus Winters and Oliver Winters; and two sisters: Beatrice Winters and Janice Winters.

Mr. Joe Ray Winters

June 13, 1937 - December 15, 2023