Billy J. Winningham age 76 of Alpine, TN was born Thursday, September 9, 1948 to Edgar and Minnie (Butram) Winningham.  Billy Passed away Thursday, March 27, 2024, at the age of 76 as a result of complications from heart surgery.

In his childhood, Billy roamed the mountains and hollers of Alpine, TN and surrounding areas.  In his old age, he joked that he was an orphan as a child because he constantly drifted from house to house of his family and friend, always on an adventure and seeking the simple joys of life.  One of his greatest passions in life was fishing, which he did in rivers as a child and spent many days doing the same on Dale Hollow Lake alongside his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter.  He once said he spent more days fishing on a riverside by a fire than he did in school.

Although Billy did not pursue academics beyond high school and the Navy, he was a brilliant man, always able to see the little details and to foresee problems down the road.  One of his mottos was "always anticipate."  This helped him in his work as a foreman for S. C. C. Sprinklers, which he enjoyed and took great pride in for 40 years.  Billy was the longest working employee of S. C. C. and his work took him all over the state resulting in him leaving an impact on many throughout his life.

Billy was an abrasive man, but he loved his family passionately and always made sure they never did without.  He met the love of his life at a young age, Judy (Cravens) Winningham, and was always a loyal and catering husband to her.  In life, they had three children, their joy Lisa in 1970, and their twins: Brandon and Virginia in 1976, who were stillborn but greatly loved nonetheless.  In 2002, their cherished granddaughter, Alley Jo was born and they spent many years nurturing and caring for her, ensuring she was given the best life possible.  In 2019, Billy left his job to care for his sick wife who passed away in August 2020.  His remaining years were spent enriching the lives of his family, dear friend: Leo Ledbetter, and many more.

Billy is survived by his granddaughter, Alley Jo Long; daughter, Lisa C. Long; his son-in-law, Richard (Rick) L. Long; his sister, Brenda Moon; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.  Billy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy; twin children; brothers, Ted, John, and Leroy; and countless other loved ones.

He will be greatly missed and was undoubtedly a gift from God to his family.  Acts 16:31, "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

Graveside services for Mr. Billy J. Winningham will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 2 PM in the Copeland Cemetery in Alpine on the Wilder Highway next to his home. The family will welcome friends at the cemetery at the 2 PM service. Bro. Rick Tinch will be officiating the service.                          P