Anthony WINKLER

WINKLER, Anthony Anthony C. Winkler, beloved husband, father, and friend, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at home on September 18, 2015, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's. Tony, as he was known to those who loved him, was a passionate individual who showed others how to live. He prospered doing what he loved - writing - and left quite a literary mark on the world as a result. His professional legacy includes 9 novels, 2 movies, 2 plays, 2 memoirs, 1 biography, and countless English textbooks. Winkler's talents were recognized last year with the awarding of Atlanta's Townsend Prize for best Georgia fiction author and Jamaica's prestigious Gold Musgrave Medal, which was awarded for his literary accomplishments. Called the "Mark Twain of Jamaica," his fans knew they could expect a satirical, hilarious treatment of even the most serious matters. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1942, Winkler exhibited the courage to forge his own path from the very beginning. He emigrated to the US at the age of 21 determined to find success in his adopted home. He never relinquished his Jamaican pride, and in fact served as the Atlanta Jamaican Association's President for two terms, during which time he coordinated relief efforts after Hurricane Gilbert, provided scholarships for promising students, and took every opportunity to speak in a thicker patois than any of his American contacts could understand. His biggest and most devoted fans, however, were his family. As a father he taught pluck and independence, instilling the fire to pursue dreams and the self-esteem to do so in both his daughter Becky and son Adam who still haven't learned the meaning of the word 'no.' As a husband, he learned the true meaning of partnership in his 40-year marriage to Cathy, a woman as stubborn, loving, and strong-willed as he. Tony is survived by his wife Cathy, daughter Becky, son Adam, and daughter-in-law Amy. The family will receive friends starting at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (www.michaeljfox.org). Sign online guest book at www.fischerfuneralcare.com. A memorial service will be held this Saturday at 2 pm at Fischer Funeral Care, 3742 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30341 (678) 514-1000