William A. "W.A." Winkler

Mr. William A. "W.A." Winkler, 74, of Blairsville, Ga., died Sunday, April 16, 2006 at his home.

Mr. Winkler was born Wednesday, September 23, 1931 in White County, Ga., a son of the late Albert Winkler and Beulah Jackson Winkler. He had lived in the Blairsville area for 42 years, and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Winkler; step-daughter, Christine Pickelsimer; and stepson, Winford "Pete" Hedden.

Survivors include his wife, Florence Brown Winkler of the home; step-daughter and step-sonin law, Susie and Ron Winkler; step-son, Herbert Hedden; stepdaughter, Martha Anderson; stepson and step-daughter-in-law, Terry and Edna Hedden; stepdaughter and step-son-in-law Lucy and Buddy Burnette; step-daughter and step-son-in-law, Joann and Ned Wilcoxon; son and daughterin law, William and Donna Winkler; daughter and son-in-law, Katrina and Dwayne Henson, all of Blairsville; sister and brother-inlaw, Evelyn and Billy Criswell of Covington, Ga.; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren also survive, along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at 2 p.m., from the Chapel of

Cochran Funeral Home

with Rev. Ned Wilcoxon,

Rev. Jerry Johnson, and

Rev. Jonathan Hood officiating.

Special music was

presented by John Nix and

Friends, and Josh Dills. Pallbearers were Tommie "Hoyt" Gray, J.M. Dyer, Verlen Fortenberry, Shane Burnette, Tom Davis and Dwayne Henson. Honorary escorts to the family were Terry Hedden, Jack Brown, L.J. Brown and Larry Henderson. Burial was in Coosa United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of arrangements. You may view the Video Tribute, send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

The Sentinel wishes to express condolences to the family and friends of Mr. William A. Winkler.