Obituary of Billy Ray Winstead

Church Hill - Billy Ray "Bill" Winstead, 74 of Church Hill, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in Kingsport, Bill had lived in Church Hill for most of his life and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was self-employed and owned several businesses in the Church Hill area. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church in Church Hill and enjoyed going to flea markets, antiques, old cars and had a very special love for his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Rex Winstead and Stella Moore Winstead; sister, Loretta Lawson; brothers, Raymond and Wayne Winstead; father and mother-in-law, F. M. and Gertrude Christian. Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Loretta Christian Winstead; daughters, Teresa Arnold and Billie Jane VanCleave and husband Tim; grandchildren, Jessica Arnold and companion Ryan Cunningham, Josh Arnold and wife Taylor, Jaimee Arnold, Cody Wilder and fiancé Erika Potenza, Cheyenne Wilder and Braxton VanCleave; great-granddaughter, Madison Cunningham; special great-nephew, Alex Christian and special nieces and nephews; close family friends, Troy and Loraine Alley. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Church Hill. Friends may also call anytime at the residence. A funeral service will follow in the church at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Gary Gerhardt officiating. A military graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Church Hill Memory Gardens with the American Legion Post #3/265 conducting the rites. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery at 9:55 a.m. Pallbearers will be Josh Arnold, Cody Wilder, Braxton VanCleave, Chris Roberts, Donnie Christian, Darren Christian, Mike Christian, Ryan Cunningham and Nolan Stratton. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim VanCleave, Don Christian, Glynn Christian, Ken Christian and Lynn Parker. The family would like to extend a special thank you to family, friends, Dr. James Evans and Johnson City Medical Center. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill is serving the Winstead family.