Richard A. Winkler
Mr. Richard A. "Dick" Winkler, age 88, of Pilot Mountain passed away at his home on January 25, 2018. He died of several old-age illnesses.
Mr. Winkler was preceded in death by his parents and all siblings and numerous uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ella Winkler; two daughters, Brynne Van Hettinga of Leander, TX, Linda Winkler of Moorehead, Minn; numerous nieces and nephews; also two grandsons and two great-granddaughters.
He was a WWII Army Veteran, having served in the 25th infantry, Tropic Lightning Division. He was awarded several metals. After the war, he attended Lafayette College in Easton, PA, and earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering.
Mr. Winkler was involved in numerous construction projects, including the Tuscarora Tunnel in PA, and Bull Shoals Power Dam in Arkansas. He spent approximately 10 years in the 1950s and 1960s in Saudi Arabia with the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco).
He came to North Carolina with Westinghouse in 1969 as resident engineer, supervising construction of the Turbine Components Plant near Rural Hall, now (Siemens). He worked out of his home as a consultant until well into his eighties.
He is remembered for his friendship and wry sense of humor. God bless a Christian (Presbyterian) and a good family man. A memorial service will be held at Moody Funeral Home Chapel at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, the VA Hospital, or to Mountain Valley Hospice.