John was born September 8, 1949, to his mother Jewel Alyne and his father John Edward Winans. John graduated from South Pike High School in Magnolia, Mississippi, in 1967. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base. There he met the love of his life, Diane Crow Winans. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on December 27, 2021. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. After working in the forestry industry for a few years, he became an Allstate Insurance Agent, owning his own agency in Decatur, Alabama. He and Diane raised their children in Moulton, Alabama. In Moulton, he was a Mason and active in several civic organizations. Upon retirement, they moved to Noxapater. They enjoyed traveling, especially trips to the Tetons. He enjoyed his morning coffee groups and following his grandchildren’s activities. He was an active member of Noxapater Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee, and on the Church Security Committee.
John is survived by his wife, Diane Winans of Noxapater, his son, Patrick Winans and wife Monica of Hernando, Mississippi, and his daughter Allison Catchot and husband James of Ackerman, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Grans or PopPop” to his grandsons Allen Landrum and Noah Catchot; and his granddaughters Olivia and Claire Winans. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Ed Simmons, in addition to his loving nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joel Edward “Eddie Joe” Winans and his sister Mary Louise Simmons.
The family requests memorials in honor of John be given to Mt. Carmel Cemetery Fund, c/o Noxapater Baptist Church, P.O. Box 251, Noxapater, MS 39346. John’s family would like to extend a special thanks to his nurse, India Martin of Accent Care, for the excellent care and comfort she has provided during his illness.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
