Donald Leroy Winters, Jr.

Donnie Winters, co-founder of The Winters Brothers Band, passed away on Sunday, August 18 at his Bellevue home due to complications of COVID pneumonia he had in 2021. 

Born in southern Florida and moved to the hills of Tennessee at a very young age, Donnie was raised in a musical family. 

His grandfather "Pop" Winters began the "picking" tradition. His band "The Southern Strollers," were performing and recording in the late 40's. His father Don Winters Sr. aka The Yodeling King, had a successful career on his own with recordings on RCA and DECA Records. Don Sr. was also a part of The Marty Robbins Show. During his 23 years with Marty, he was part of the band, the trio, and a featured solo artist.

Growing up, Marty was like an uncle to Donnie and Dennis. Marty even recorded 10 of the brother’s songs. Donnie and Dennis later started up the popular Winters Brothers Band that toured along side bands such as the Marshall Tucker band and Charlie Daniels, playing festivals and arenas around the country. 

In April of 2000, Donnie took his engineering skills to the famous Sutler in Nashville where he worked as the house soundman. He would often get onstage with his dobro or guitar to join in with some of music city's best songwriters. When the Sutler closed, Donnie moved down 8th Avenue to Douglas Corner and continued hosting a Tuesday Open Mic Writer’s Night where he would continue to enjoy sitting in with some of the acts. He enjoyed playing with Scott Rath, Willi X. Evans and Hillbilly Mardi Gras as well as Shotgun Riders. Donnie also played at least once a month at Debi Champion's writer’s night at the Commodore Grille located in the Holiday Inn - Vanderbilt. As of late, Donnie was mixing sound and playing at Lee Rascone’s writer’s round on Thursday and Friday nights at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. 

Donnie leaves behind not only a substantial and influential southern rock legacy through his music but he leaves a legacy of love, kindness, acceptance and compassion to those who knew and loved him. 

He is survived by Paula, his wife of 44 years, son Derek (DeRivanique), granddaughters Niylah and Jade and the light of his life, grandson Dougie, brother Dennis Winters (Lynda), sister Jackie Williams (Randy) and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by son Ryan, parents Joyce and Don Winters, and sister June Edwards. 

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 24, 11 am - 1 pm at West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike followed by a celebration of life at the family farm, 7554 Buffalo Road. 

In lieu of flowers please send donations to MusiCares, Pet Community Center or Hope Smiles.