After a lengthy illness, John Ward Winn, 84 passed away peacefully in the early
morning hours of Thursday, March 10 at the Warner Center for Caring/Hospice at
Baptist Medical Center-Nassau.
Born on December 17, 1931 in Valdosta, GA, John graduated as Valedictorian
from Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, GA. He attended Presbyterian College,
North Georgia College and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1955
where he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor
Societies. From 1955 � 1958, John served in the United States Air Force.
On August 2, 1958, John married Ramona Chilton and they resided in Atlanta, GA
where he worked for Lockheed as a Promotions Manager. In 1972, John and
family moved to Hilton Head Island, SC where he was involved with the initial
development team of the Sea Pines Company. In 1977, they moved back to his
hometown of Hinesville, GA where he began his illustrious career with Interstate
Paper Company and developed the sales and service �dream team� he was so
proud of. After his retirement in 2000, John and Mona moved south to
Fernandina Beach where he spent his remaining years on island time� riding his
bike, beach-combing and enjoying grandchildren.
John was an avid WWII and history buff, lover of the ocean, writer, speaker and
the best �advice giver� ever. A devoted follower of Christ, he taught Sunday
school for many years at the First Presbyterian Church in Hinesville, Georgia,
was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fernandina Beach, and a
Selectman Emeritus of the historical Midway Congregational Society in Midway,
Georgia. He will long be remembered for his dry wit, funny sarcasm and love of
all things Georgia� especially his beloved Bulldogs!
John was preceded in death by his parents Jack W. and Alice Waite Winn and
infant son, Thomas Scott Winn. Left to celebrate his life and his memory are his
wife of 58 years, Mona Chilton Winn; two children, Jack Winn (Susie) of Savannah
and Ellen Winn Jenkins (David) of Fernandina Beach, Florida; five grandchildren,
many cousins, nieces and nephews.
There was never a finer example of a true southern gentleman than John Ward
Winn and he will be greatly missed by all those who loved and cherished him.
Visitation is planned for Monday, March 14 from 4-6pm at Oxley-Heard Funeral
Home in Fernandina Beach. A funeral is set for Tuesday, March 15 at 12:00pm at
the old Midway Church in Midway, Georgia followed by a reception at the
Dorchester Village Civic Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to
the American Heart Association.