Eric F. Winkenwerder

1960 - 2021

Eric F. Winkenwerder
November 14, 1960 - May 12, 2021
Charlotte, North Carolina - Eric Frederick Winkenwerder, a Servant of the Lord, owner of Wink Lighting, and devoted father and husband passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. He was born in Charlotte on November 14, 1960. He was a proud graduate of West Charlotte High School and earned a Bachelor of Creative Arts from UNC-Charlotte. Throughout his career as a lighting designer, he shed his light on many stages for Playworks, Children's Theatre, Charlotte Repertory Theatre, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Omimeo, and the Moving Poets, to name just a few. As an event designer, his company illuminated celebrations throughout Charlotte and beyond. Whether designing lights at a country club, a home, or a theatre, Eric's desire was to take our eyes to what mattered most.
At Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church, he joyfully served as an elder, a choir member, and a children's ministry leader. During the pandemic, he used his technical skills to broadcast services, and became an online Bible storyteller. For many years, Eric created early morning Easter services with the help of his talented friends. We knew to expect the unexpected when Eric planned worship.
At home, with Suzanne Newsom, his loving wife of 33 years, Eric raised two sons: Elias Newsom Winkwenwerder and Andrew Browne Winkenwerder. His creativity and ability to be a loyal friend live on in them.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Elizabeth Winkenwerder. In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his brother Hank Winkenwerder and Hank's wife Sheri, nephews Seth and David of San Jose, California, and his mother-in-law Bettye Sue Newsom. Also surviving is business partner Barbara Berry and the hard working crew at Wink Lighting.
A memorial service with limited seating is planned for May 22, 2021 at 4:00 pm at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church with a broadcast on the church's Facebook page. A candlelight celebration will be open to all outside at 7:30 pm.
Memorials can be made to Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church or to the West Charlotte High School Alumni Association.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.