Wendell "Winkie" Winston Williams

Wendell “Winkie” Winston Williams, age 85, of Avon Park, Florida, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026. He was born August 22, 1940 in Avon Park, Florida to Willie Anderson “W.A.” and Lilith (Bielling) Williams. He was Owner & Operator of W.A. Williams Citrus Nursery and Services, Inc., member of Avon Park Lakes Baptist Church, Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, Alumni of South Florida Community College and served on the District Board of Trustees (1976-1983), served as chairman and director of the Samaritan’s Touch Care Center, and was inducted into the Avon Park Champions Club in 2016. He received the Mason G. Smoak Friend of Agriculture award in 2012. Winkie was a founding member and past President of the SFCC Foundation, Inc. In 1983, he became a charter member of the Community College Coordination Council, which evolved into the State Board of Community Colleges in which he was appointed and served for 18 years. Following his retirement from the State Board of Community College, Winkie’s heart for the State College system did not end. He and fellow member Dr. David Benjamin worked together to create the Florida College System Foundation, which provided funds to those who wanted a college degree, but may not have the means.

He is survived by his Children – Pam Kruse (John); Jeff Williams (Becky); Amy Guerndt (Charles); Sister – Bobbie Sue Williams (Phil); 7 Grandchildren – Jillian; Kyle (Katie); Alexis (Mason); Josh; Mitchell (Casey); Roxanne; Olivia (Hunter); 7 Great Grandchildren – Kasen; Kade; Rollins; Margaret; Annie; Carter; Isla; Sister – Cindy Wester (Bud); Brother - Tim Williams; 5 Nieces – Liesl, Jewelee Ann, Ashley, Stacy, and Shelby; and Nephew - Will. He is preceded in death by his Parents and Sister – Joan Wysocki.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM with family receiving friends beginning at 1:00 PM at Avon Park Lakes Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Corinth Cemetery, Bereah, Florida.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Cornerstone Christian Academy or the Avon Park Garden Club.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Avon Park, Florida
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com