John (Johnny) Thomas Winfree

April 30, 2021

John (Johnny) Thomas Winfree left this world to live eternally with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, April 27, 2021, at the age of 69. Johnny was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, Pop Pop, and friend.

Johnny was born in Wilmington, NC to Darlene Dowell Bryant on June 14, 1951. As a teenager he and his family moved to Panama City, FL. Johnny was a 1969 graduate of Rutherford High School, where he was a talented football player. He worked a fulfilling career as a heavy equipment operator with Gulf Power Company – Plant Crist before retiring; however, his most revered accomplishment was marrying the love of his life, Helen (May) Winfree on May 9, 1987. After several years of prayer, God blessed them with a son, Bryan Lee Winfree. Together with his wife, Johnny led a life of devotion to their community, church, and family. They volunteered with North West Florida Panhandle Search and Rescue for many years and have been dedicated, long time members of CrossFaith Church in Molino, FL. Enjoying the simplicity of life, Johnny was a devoted family man, a proud dad and a doting Pop Pop to his beloved grandchildren. He literally beamed with excitement and joy when he spoke of Levi, “his buddy” and Kynlee, “his baby girl”.

First and foremost, Johnny was a man of honesty, integrity and genuineness. One of his most endearing qualities was that he was always true to himself. You never had to wonder how Johnny felt about something because he would not mind sharing his views on anything. One of the special things about Johnny was that he “beat to the sound of his own drum.” Blessed with the ability to make others laugh, Johnny was also one to lend a helping hand or listen to someone who simply needed his unconditional love or wisdom. Johnny loved working with his hands and was masterfully skilled at many things, including woodworking, building, working on automobiles, and working in the yard. He was rarely idle and thrived on staying busy.

He was the treasured husband of Helen May Winfree, the loving father of Bryan Winfree (Heather Winfree), the adored Pop Pop of Levi and Kynlee Winfree, the cherished brother of Lee Bryant and Lisa (Bryant) Sears, and the loving uncle of Amanda Sears and Ashley (Bryant) Whitham. Johnny was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Darlene and Willis Bryant, who loved him dearly.

Johnny’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Please join Johnny’s family and friends as we all share our memories of him and celebrate his life at CrossFaith Church 5701 Hwy 29 North Molino, FL on Monday May 3, 2021. Visitation will start at 9:30 A.M. with the service to follow at 10:30 A.M. Interment following the service will be held at the Milton Historic Cemetery 6683 Berryhill Road Milton, FL 32570.

Comments

One Response to “John (Johnny) Thomas Winfree”

  1. D. B. on May 3rd, 2021 12:09 pm

    John, John, John! Ol john boy!
    Good times at work with water fights, practical jokes and just great times working with ya! We will miss u my buddy!
    Our condolences to your family.
    D. B.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries