Michael Alan Winship Sr.

Michael Alan Winship Sr., 81, of Crystal River, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026.

Mike was born on May 16, 1944, in Daytona Beach, Florida, and was adopted by his mother, Eleanor Hobbs Winship. He and his brother Derek grew up in Daytona Beach, where they delighted in watching the early days of car racing and developed a lifelong passion as muscle car enthusiasts.

At age 17, Mike enlisted in the Army. Stationed in Germany, he became the youngest Sergeant in Europe at just 18 – an impressive achievement that spoke to his dedication and capability. After his military service, he worked at Pratt & Whitney in New Haven, Connecticut, while attending trade school to become a Tool and Die Maker. It was in Connecticut that he and his former wife, Andrea, welcomed their first child.

The family later relocated to Florida, raising three children in Jacksonville and eventually Crystal River. Mike worked as a machinist at the Jacksonville Shipyards and as a Tool and Die Maker for Kaiser Aluminum in Jacksonville. After the family settled in Crystal River, he continued his career as a Nuclear Operator for Florida Power.

Mike cherished life in Florida and loved spontaneous family road trips, often piling everyone into the car for adventures to destinations across the state.

He is survived by:

His children: Michael Alan Winship Jr. (and Susan) of Lecanto, Florida; Karen (and Kerry) Sullivan of Hampton Beach, New Hampshire; and Sheri (and Jim) Kimball of Boston, Massachusetts.

His grandchildren: Drew, Megan, Maddy, Michael, Jenna, Ellie, and Jack.

His great-grandchildren: Murphy and Olive.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor, and his brother, Derek.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, at 2PM on April 15th. Following the service, the family will gather at The Shed in Homosassa to continue the cherished Wednesday night tradition Mike so loved sharing with his loved ones. All are welcome to join if able.

Mike will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his calm, kind demeanor and his effortless ability to make those around him laugh. His warmth, humor, and quiet strength touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.