Ernest Thornton Winston
Class of 1960

Ernest Thornton Winston,  68, affectionately known as "Chief," said his final goodbye to his loved ones and friends October 22, 2007. Born in Lynchburg, Va., October 15, 1939, he traveled the world, honorably serving his country, beginning in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and then for 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly retired as a chief master sergeant. "Chief" then continued as a civil servant for the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. He was well known for his humor, generosity of heart and time, happily helping whenever he could.

"Chief" will be sadly missed and never forgotten by his loving wife of 28 years, Sue; children, Teresa Winston, Melanie (Bill) Combs, Ernie (Jessica) Winston, Nancy Mae Mason, Helen Knapton and Paul Knapton; and special friend Spot. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Billy, Charley, Mike, Brett, Brooke, Zach, Wyatt, Dylan, Mia, Bryanna and Christina, as well as his sisters, Jackie (Wayne) Hogge, Jo Rollins and Tine (John) Kerlin, and other numerous family members and lifelong friends.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2007, at Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Chapel, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205. A memorial to celebrate his happy life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2007, at Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Chapel, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205, with the Rev. Bill Oakley officiating. Arrangements have been made by Hardage-Giddens Town & Country Funeral Home.