Obituary for Gary Ray Winters
Gary Ray Winters, 82, of Headrick, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at home, surrounded by family.
Gary was born on March 28, 1943, in Granite, Oklahoma, to Jay Gilbert and Edna Bernice (Preslar) Winters. He grew up across southwest Oklahoma, spending formative years in Granite, Lone Wolf, Lake Creek, Craterville, Friendship, and Altus. For a time, the family lived in a home built by his grandfather on their land in Devil's Canyon-an area rich with memories and adventures. He graduated from Altus High School with the Class of 1961 and attended Altus Junior College. In his early years, Gary earned the nickname "Jack" from neighbors, which affectionately turned into "Jack Rabbit" due to his boundless energy. He once had a goat named Whiskers that he rode like a horse-until one day, Whiskers became dinner, a bittersweet memory that lived on in family lore. Gary's humor stayed sharp throughout his life. Known for his mischief, he once crafted a necklace from glazed sheep dung "pills," carefully selected and drilled-just so he could capture a photo of the unsuspecting recipient proudly wearing it.
Gary was also fiercely competitive, especially with his two older brothers. From a very young age, he tried to keep up-and even to outshine them. In pool, he excelled beyond most, so much so that his older brothers refused to play him unless he used his left hand. Even then, he beat them-just not quite as mercilessly. He was a talented arm-wrestler and gifted in shooting sports; few ever wanted to quail hunt with him because his aim and reflexes were second to none. He was even known to have shot a duck out of the air with a pistol.
Throughout his life, Gary worked for Eagle Picher Copper Mines and the missile silo site systems. He was a lifelong farmer, electrician, and mechanical contractor. He owned and operated Gary Winters Electrical, Heat and Air for more than 40 years before retiring. He also set up irrigation systems in the area and was deeply mechanically inclined. Whether it was a big engine, small motor, or electrical equipment-if it needed fixing, Gary could do it. He loved hunting, fishing, and-above all-time spent with family.
He married Regina (Tarpley) Graham on February 7, 2005, in Vernon, Texas.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Logan Graham; a sister, Margaret (Winters) Hoffman; and a brother, Mike Winters.
He is survived by his wife, Regina, of the home; his children, Steve Winters and wife Mary, Gara Lyn Castillo and husband Jerald, Dylan Winters and wife Emily, and Jesse Winters; his grandchildren, Dawn Sneed and husband Cody, Dana Raye Winters, Rowdy Dean Morrow and wife Shannon, Janie Castillo, Zach Castillo, Caydence Winters, Sara Castillo, Charlotte Winters, and Reid Winters; great- grandchildren, Madison, Mason, and Hudson; his brothers, Lorin Winters and Burl Winters; his brothers-in-law, Walter Hoffman, Mark Tarpley and wife Jodie, and Bill Tarpley; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members across the region. Among his closest friends was Bill Pipho, who worked beside him for decades.
The Winters family will receive friends at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel, with Jason Winters and Dylan Winters officiating. Burial will follow in Warren Cemetery under the care of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Warren Cemetery Association, c/o: Tara Turner, P.O.
Box 5, Blair, OK, 73526.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
9
Jul
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
Thursday
10
Jul
10:00 AM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
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