Vernon Winchester

Waynesville, Vernon LeRoy Winchester, age 83, of 41 Tall Timbers Lane, died on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at his residence. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Leroy Augustus and Bertha Stansberry Winchester and was also preceded in death by a brother, Richard Winchester. He was a US Navy veteran, having served as a submariner during World War II. Vernon attended the University of Baltimore receiving a BS Degree in Transportation granted through the School of Business and Industry. He retired from Montgomery Ward in 1984 after 30 years employment. He loved reading and playing cards and was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of more than 24 years, Betty Winchester; two sons, Richard Lee Winchester of Salisbury, MD and Robert Vernon Winchester and his wife, Joanna, of Odenton, MD; two daughters, Judith Engelstad of Manassas, VA and Sharon Hastings of Waynesville; and four grandchildren, Erica Englestad, Amanda Winchester, Michael Sheilds, and Kyle Hastings. No services are planned. Burial at sea will be conducted by the US Navy at a later date. Memorials may be made to VFW Post 5202, 216 Miller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 or the veterans organization of one's choice.