Reverend Myrl Barie "Mert" Winkle

Reverend Myrl Barie "Mert" Winkle, 84, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in Snellville, Georgia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend to many, Mert lived a life marked by faith, service, and joy.
Born on September 7, 1940, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mert grew up with a strong sense of purpose and compassion. He graduated from Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, Washington, and went on to earn his degree from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho. These early years laid the foundation for a lifetime of ministry and service.
Mert dedicated his life to pastoral ministry alongside his beloved wife Sandra "Sandie" Decker Winkle. Together they served numerous Nazarene congregations across the United States. Their journey took them to Gooding, Idaho; Battleground and Anacortes in Washington; Boulder, Colorado; Grosse Pointe, Michigan; Overland Park, Kansas; Richmond, Virginia; and Covington, Georgia. Each community was touched by their shared commitment to faith and fellowship.
Their calling also led them abroad as missionaries in the Republic of Panama. For two years in Ancon, Mert and Sandie ministered with compassion and dedication-an experience that remained close to their hearts throughout their lives.
Mert's love for people extended beyond the pulpit. He had a generous spirit and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He spent several years working with ROAM (RVers On A Mission), traveling across the country with Sandie to assist churches with building projects and other needs. For nine years they lived full-time in an RV-a lifestyle they embraced wholeheartedly as it allowed them to serve while exploring new places together.
Family was at the center of Mert's world. He is survived by his loving wife Sandie of Loganville, Georgia; his twin sister Byrl "Sue" Wiedmeier of Boise, Idaho; sons Jerry Winkle and wife Vickie, Jay Winkle and wife Celeste of Loganville; daughters Julie Rainey and husband John of Boise, ID and Joni Lomax of Grayson, Georgia; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy. Many cherished memories were made around the family pool where Mert delighted in playing with his grandchildren-moments filled with laughter and love.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold Martin Winkle and Winona Janet Winkle of Nampa, Idaho; siblings Janet Clark, Caril Crawford, Betty Yuly, and Weldon Perry Winkle.
Mert had many passions that reflected his zest for life. He loved traveling-especially when it meant discovering new places with Sandie-and he enjoyed playing golf and working on cars. A devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs, he cheered on his teams with enthusiasm. One of his most beloved roles was portraying Santa Claus-a role he embraced with warmth and authenticity that brought smiles to countless faces.
A celebration of Reverend Mert Winkle's life will be held on Saturday, June 28th at Gracepointe Nazarene Church located at 2900 Rosebud Rd SW in Loganville, GA at 11:00am EST. A period of visitation will be held before the service at 10:00am EST.
Mert will be remembered for his unwavering faith, boundless generosity, joyful spirit, and deep love for family and community. His legacy lives on through those he touched during a lifetime of service.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.