William “Bill” Fletcher Winters, 86, of Madison, Ala. died Tuesday, March 20, 2018 in Huntsville, Ala. surrounded by family and memories of his grandchildren in his heart.

He was born Jan. 11, 1932 in Charlotte.  He was the third child born of four children to Dallas and Edith (Koontz) Winters. He graduated from Mocksville High School  in 1950. He married Emma F. Mabe of Mocksville on Sept 10, 1955. He served honorably for 30 years in the US Army and achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW4).  He had overseas tours of duty in Germany (twice), France, Italy, Alaska, Lebanon, Korea (twice), and Vietnam (twice). He was a recipient of the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with Palm), Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Lebanon), Meritorious Service Medal, Master Parachute Badge, Good Conduct Medal (2 awards). Since his commission warrant officer in 1961, he spent more than 20 years as an expert communications security. A veteran of more than 400 military parachute jumps, he served with the 77th, 3rd and 5th Special Forces Groups; 11th, 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and spend more than half his active duty years overseas. Upon retirement from the US Army in 1981 he worked with a government national security/intelligence organization for 13 years at Fort Meade, Md. until his final retirement in 1995. After 43 years of service to his county he and his wife, Frances moved to Madison to enjoy life, sports, reading and watching his grandchildren grow.  He was a loving and caring man.

Survivors: his wife of 62 years, Frances Winters; a daughter, Joyce LoScudo and husband LTC (R) Daniel LoScudo of Madison; a son, Michael Winters of Athens, Ga.; 5  grandchildren, Sean LoScudo of Overgaard, Ariz.,  Casey LoScudo of San Antonio, Texas ;  Ryan, Ross and Eaen McClellan of Phoenix, Ariz.; and 3 great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother George Winters; sisters Marjorie Sain and Alice Godbey.

A graveside service and burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. on Aug. 13.