Ray Winkler, 91, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Villas of Holly Brook in Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

He was born August 29, 1929, the son of Millage and Fern (Carter) Winkler in Oakland City, Indiana.  He graduated high school and attended college, receiving a master’s degree in Education and Counseling.  On October 7, 1950, Ray married Altha Lou Dishon in Oakland City, Indiana.

Ray was a Deacon at First General Baptist in Mt. Carmel, attending church there since the early 1950’s.  He had a passion for the Gideon’s organization and what they did by providing Bibles nationally and internationally.  Ray was a teacher and counselor for the district #348 school system for 38 years.  He was a coach and basketball referee for many years, loving his time spent on the court.  Ray played in church softball and basketball leagues into his 60’s.  In his retirement years, he played tennis until he was 86 and rode a bicycle two miles a day until he was in his 90’s.  Ray enjoyed traveling especially to Texas and Florida.  Last year he traveled alone to Florida!

Ray’s greatest love was the closeness of family that grew up together and the special relationship and bond they created.  Several of these were Al Henager, Myra Webb, Melody Glick, Gregg Henager, Paula Carnahan, Phil Evans and Stan Evans. 

Left to cherish Ray’s memory are his children, Larry (Stephanie) Winkler of Vincennes, Indiana, and Steve (Deborah) Winkler of Port Wentworth, Georgia; five grandchildren, Holly Cork, Laurie Andrews, Jason Winkler, Jenna Gerbasi and Jay Winkler; fourteen great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife; twin sister, Faye Evans; sister, Mildred Henager and Maryellen Nelson; and a granddaughter, Jamie Wilson.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation Friday, June 25, 2021, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. (CST) at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home (527 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois). 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. (CST) in the Chapel of Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery (1827 College Drive).

The family is so thankful for Holly Brook, local Homehealth and Hospice for their gracious accommodations and care of Ray.

Memorials can be made to Gideon’s, The First General Baptist Church or Oakland City University.  Envelopes will be available at Short’s.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Winkler family.