Mr James R. Winniford

October 2, 1935 - May 28, 2016

Services for James Robert Winniford, 80, of Gilmer will be held 10 a.m. Friday June 3, 2016 at the chapel of McWhorter Funeral Home. Private family burial will be held in Cumby Texas. The family will receive friends from 6p.m.-8p.m. Thursday June 2, 2016 at McWhorter Funeral Home. James died peacefully May 28, 2016 in Longview following a lengthy illness. He was born on October 2, 1935 to the late John and Beryl Winniford in Cumby, TX Mr. Winniford was married in Campbell, TX to Anna Mitchel June 11, 1966 He was a faithful husband and loving father. He graduated from Commerce High School in 1953, having previously attended Cumby schools until his senior year. After high school he attended East Texas State College and received degrees in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. In 1963 he received his Master’s in Biology from East Texas State College. He taught in various schools around North Texas finally moving to East Texas for the remainder of his teaching career. Mr. Winniford retired from the public school system after having taught for 36 years. Following retirement from public schools he taught several courses in chemistry at North East Texas Community College. He then went on to receive his real estate license and sold real estate in the East Texas area. He preached for over 60 years at congregations throughout East Texas. In 1974 he moved to East Mountain Church of Christ where he preached for 40 years, only recently retiring for health reasons. In his spare time he enjoyed working cattle. He loved animals and enjoyed bird watching from his back porch, he loved people and nature, Always loved to tell stories and could always find a way to make them humorous. James loved making people laugh. He is survived by his wife; Anna, Daughters; Kim and husband John Mayer, Shannon and husband James McCraw, Grandchildren; Kenny Mayer, Alex Mayer, and granddaughter Presley McCraw. Please visit James’s on-line register book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.