Edwin Gaither "Ed" Winters

1935 - 2026

Edwin "Ed" Gaither Winters

May 25, 1935 - January 27, 2026

Edwin "Ed" Gaither Winters, 90, of Claremont, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Trinity Ridge of Hickory.He was born May 25, 1935 in Catawba County to the late Rosa Parsons Winters and Gaither Winters. Ed was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and served as a council member and youth counselor over the years. He enjoyed supporting and participating in various church projects, especially the Youth Easter Breakfast and the memorable "Hee-Haw" production. Ed retired from the furniture industry and Oxford Elementary School. Overall, he was a quiet man and a devoted husband, father, and family member. Meeting needs of his family was a priority, as well as spending time with them. The most cherished time of his weekend occurred on Sunday. Activities for the day included attending church, enjoying a home cooked lunch with family, and then participating in family sports activities in the back yard for the remainder of the day. Many times Ed would make the following comment to his brother-in- law Joe: "Don't let me get old!" He was very athletic and a member of high school and local baseball/softball teams. Ed treasured his time in the United States Army. He was a member of the Combat Engineering Unit (built bridges, etc.) and was stationed in Germany for most of his active service. Almost 12 years ago, Ed reconnected by phone with his best Army buddy, Flagg Warren of Texas. They enjoyed many hours of conversation. Ed had a love for rock & roll and country music, and he enjoyed vacationing in Nashville with family and friends.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary Lou Sigmon Winters; sisters, Aileen Winters Herman Witt and Christine Winters Stafford; and brother, Marshall "J.D." Winters. Other deceased family members who were beloved include his mother-in-law, Dorothy Pope Sigmon; brothers-in-law, Ray Sigmon, James Sigmon, and Charlie Sigmon; and aunt, Rachel Pope Abernathy.Those left to cherish his memory are; daughter, Melinda Smith and husband David of Newton; brother-in-law: Joe C. Sigmon and wife Betty of Catawba; sisters-in-law, Mary Sigmon of Claremont, Shirley Sigmon of Conover and Connie Sigmon of Taylorsville; nieces, Lillie Herman of Chapel Hill, Nancy Bostian and husband Wayne of Conover, Lynn Samples and husband Dale of Newton, Tammy Fox of Hickory, Paula Riddle and husband David of Stony Point, Amy Barnes and husband Mark of Claremont, and Dee Dee Foster and husband Tony of Taylorsville; nephews: Daniel S. Herman of Hickory, John D. Herman and wife Leesa of Wake Forest, NC, Bart C. Sigmon and wife Drew Eddins of Conover, and Blake Sigmon and wife Jan of Claremont; numerous great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; special cousins: Arlene Freeman of Claremont, and Sherry Reinheardt and husband Randy of Catawba; special friends: Charles Deal and Garland Russell of Trinity Ridge.The family would like to thank Dr. David Cabral, the staff of Cabral Internal Medicine, and the staff of Trinity Ridge for their care of Ed.A service to celebrate Ed's life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont. Pastor Morgan Lane will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 to 2:45 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church.Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 5759 Bolick Rd., Claremont, NC 28610 or Trinity Ridge of Hickory, 2140 Medical Park Drive, Hickory, NC 28602.Condolences may be sent to the Winters family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com. The Winters family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 828-465-2111.