ELISHA BRUCE (E. B.) WINTERS

E. Bruce Winters was one of nine children born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Roan Mountain, Tennessee, to John Samuel Winters and Doshia Bevens. He left the family farm to join the Army and served in Burma during WWII. Upon learning of the death of his father, he left the Army in 1945 and returned to Roan Mountain where he met and fell in love with Gladys Naoma Johnson, also of Roan Mountain, Tennessee. They were married in May of 1946 and were together for 63 years. He enlisted in United States Air Force in 1949, and served honorably until retiring in 1961. Bruce'™s military career kept him and his family on the move to many places in the United States and Europe. He was a passionate American Patriot and a 50 year Master Mason, Lodge #566, Roan Mountain, TN. Always the outdoorsman, he was happiest when looking for a campsite, fishing for brook trout, searching for walking sticks and telling stories by the campfire. He loved guns, knives, animals, tall pine trees, and sitting behind the wheel of a brand new American-made car. He delighted in playing games with his children and grandchildren, and was an avid golfer. In his later years he was called 'œPappy'� by his family and could always be counted on to let out a wild mountain 'œholler,'� and spin a good tale about his adventures as a service man and his life as a proud and spirited Tennessee 'œRidge Runner'�. Bruce spent his final years in the warmth of San Angelo, Texas, passing away peacefully on September 24, 2009, at the age of 98, blessed to live a long, healthy and full life. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Herman, William, & Frank, and sisters, Ina, Beulah, Bellvea, and Mable. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, and their seven children: daughters Dawnetta Winters of Lakewood, CO; Patricia Hart and husband Robert, Harriman, TN; Cynthia Taylor, Keauhoo; HI; Carolyn Winters and husband Scott Jacobs, Poulsbo, WA; Kimberly Winters and husband Kyle Toburen, Colorado Springs, CO; and sons, Gregory and wife Kathy, San Antonio, TX; and Glenn and wife Sandi, San Angelo, TX; and by one sibling, Sally Winters-Street, of Roan Mountain, TN. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Nathan Hart, Michael Hart, Carolee Winters, Elisha Winters, Heather Winters, Lee Winters, Rebecca Winters, Meagan Winters, Karen Winters, Ryan Winters, and Maianna Taylor. Remains will be cremated and entrusted to the care of his children. A memorial service and family gathering will be scheduled for a later date at a location to be determined by the family.