Jay Winans, 72, entered eternal life April 12, 2016 at his home in Thatcher. He was born in Morenci June 27, 1943 to Tom and Hedy Mae Winans who owned and managed the Western Tavern in Clifton since 1943 till he passed away in 1962, then Hedy Mae managed it till she sold it and bought the Bonnie Heather in Duncan. Hedy Mae passed away in the 80’s.
Jay and his only sibling, his older sister Sandra graduated from Duncan high school. Jay married Jeri Sinnette of Stargo in January of 1965 and they moved to Thatcher in 1974.
Jay worked construction all his life until he got the contract as Maintenance Contractor for Phelps Dodge then Freeport McMoRan. He owned and managed Jay’s Construction and Jay’s Honey Do’s.
Being a carpenter, he had always built furniture of all kinds; dining room tables, coffee tables, toys for children, shelves, kitchen cupboards standing jewelry boxes, standing bathroom tissue storage from fine woods, pulpits from imported exotic woods for five pastors in Safford etc.
He trapped fur pelts, but his gig has really been hunting and fishing. He has fished in Canada to the edge of the North Pole taking with him his sons, grandsons and anybody else that would go. Every year, he took his work crew to Alaska to fish for salmon. Then he would give salmon and halibut to all his friends that would take it! When he retired, he and Jeri began to fish in Texas and Colorado for trout and catfish. Actually he had been doing that for about nine years with the guys, but Jeri just wasn’t too keen on going till then!
At his 50th year school reunion at Duncan high school, he was awarded ‘Trimmest, Slimmest and Best Dancer.”
He and Jeri just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January.
The most meaningful event in Jay’s life was finding Jesus as his Savior when he was 29. He gave Bible studies in their home through the years, always having to find a larger venue until eventually founding True Hope Fellowship in Safford with Kevin West as the pastor.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jeri, their son Brian, daughter Charlotte and grandsons Shad, and Yancy; granddaughter Kenda and great granddaughter, Sicada. His oldest granddaughter, Shilene Winans preceded him in death five years ago and daughter, Carol Winans, 42 years ago.
Viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel. Friday, one hour prior to services at the church.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016 at New Life City Church with Pastor Kevin West of True Hope Fellowship Church officiating.
Interment will follow in the Safford Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel and Crematory.
Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com
