Harry A. (Buck) Winkler III Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Hampton, South Carolina

(Additional biographical information provided by The Winkler Family)
SPC. Winkler is believed to be the first Hampton County resident to die from combat wounds in Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began in 2003. On that fatal day, his First Lt. Michael A. Cerrone, son of Brig. Gen. James Cerrone, was also killed in the blast. This was "Buck's" 2nd tour to Iraq.

"He was bright, mature and optimistic," said Lt. Col. Viet Luong, commander, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. "His platoon will miss his humor and superb leadership."

"SPC. Winkler was a competent, mature, combat proven warrior who all of us respected and loved. His loyalty, professionalism, aggressiveness and leadership will be missed," said Capt. James Uptgraft, commander of Company A. His platoon mates remembered him as one of the best soldiers in the unit and a crack shot. They recalled Spc. Winkler as having a great sense of humor, a "guy to get things done" and a devoted family man. He was know as "Winky" around the unit.

"Most of my best memories of Wink are ones of him bragging about how awesome his wife and son were. He was always at his best after he talked to his wife and watched his son on the computer," Pfc. Daniel T. Marsh wrote.

Aunt Susan Raynor recalled asking her nephew on one occasion why he liked being a solider. "He said 'I do it for my family. He said, if you can watch a football game on TV, if you can go shopping without worrying, then I've done my job,'" she recalled her nephew replying.

Buck - as he was called since birth - was born in Jacksonville, FL, lived in Milwaukee, Wis, St. Charles, MO, Deltona, FL and made his home in Hampton, SC. He should be remembered for the laughter he brought to his family and friends, and the love he had for his wife and son. May we see him again in heaven.

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Veteran's Day Banner flying in my city of Buck

Son, you are forever in my heart. We've been going through pictures and I have to laugh at some of the pictures of you and family. One, you were on a skateboard and it reminded me of the weekend you wanted to stay with your friend. Ya'll had built a skateboard ramp and then went surfing. When you came home I had to take you to ER as you had broken your arm doing tricks and you didn't want to come home since ya'll had tricks you wanted to try. Plus your friend had gotten his surfboard bitten...

Deborah Copeland

November 12, 2024 | Orange City, FL | Mother

Heavenly birthday son. 50 years ago I gave birth to you. I miss you so much but rest in the knowledge that one day we shall meet again. I remember your laughter and all the silly things you did as a child. I have to laugh because when you were 5 you were crying in your room, or so I thought. I went in to see what was wrong and you were standing in front of the mirror crying (well pretending) making different faces to see which was better. So I laugh today about that memory that popped up. I...

Debbi Copeland

March 12, 2024 | Orange City, FL | Mother

David, Buck's brother, visiting 8-5-2023

Son this is especially a hard month for me as it's the last time you were on American soil and it's also my birthday and you never forgot. I so miss your laughter, your love of family and even your messy room (LOL). I miss everything about you. Your brother David, visited you last week and brought 2 of his youngest. Seventeen years you've left this earth but never my heart. Everyone in the family always is remembering something you did. Until we meet again. Missing your forever

Deborah Copeland

August 09, 2023 | Orange City, FL | Mother

Son 15 years ago life as I knew it changed forever. You were taken from this world and an emptiness has filled my heart ever since. You are forever 32 yet I celebrate your birthdays and remember this day with sadness yet also with much love. One day we we see each other again. I have your picture in my car so you are always going with me. Pictures surround the house when you were alive on earth to remind me of the joy and love you gave. Rest in Eternal Peace. I will forever miss you on earth...

Deborah Copeland

November 12, 2021 | Orange City, FL

So many thoughts on this Memorial Day- so many years have passed, yet it seems like yesterday that we were able to visit in my living room. It is my prayer that I live a life honorable to your service, glorifying God- I know the service you do today in Heaven is for our King and I know we will al be reunited very soon. Always my hero, always a good laughing buddy! Never forgotten and forever blessed to be your Aunt.

Susan Raynor

May 31, 2021 | Jamestown, NC | Family

Happy heavenly birthday

Ann Mock

March 13, 2021 | Harper, KS | Friend

Heavenly birthday today son, as I sit today I remember my 11 hours of labor before you came into this world at 11 pm. I miss you so very much and know that I will see you again. God bless me and our family with you and though war took you away from earth you are forever alive in my heart. Your grandma was remembering when you stayed with her and would come downstairs to say goodnight and get your bowl of ice cream. Rest in Eternal Peace son. I love you so very much.

Deborah Copeland

March 12, 2021 | FL | Mother

Buck 3-15-1974 with sister Cathy, day you came home from hospital

Deborah Copeland

March 12, 2021

Today I am filled with memories of our Buck A Roo! So funny, so gentle, so easy to be around and one of the best eating guys I have ever known. Even as a little guy, Buck was full of courage. Always willing to try something that would challenge him, and soon becoming the one who encourage all the others. My nephew, my first of many great nephews, was some kind of special. Buck's love for family helps me today to be keenly aware of this important gift. I can hear his laugh so clearly in...

Susan Raynor

November 13, 2020 | Jamestown, NC | Family

Spc. Harry A. (Buck) Winkler III

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