William Winter

William C. "Hollywood" Winter, age 61 of Tampa, Florida, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, August 11, 2025. William was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Wednesday, December 18, 1963, on a cold and stormy day. He was the first son and fourth child to William F. and Eliza L. (Swofford) Winter, who preceded him in death. He was loved and known as a son, grandson, nephew, cousin, brother, uncle, great uncle, father, and grandfather.
William always loved the outdoors, having all kinds of animals as pets, camping and fishing. During his high school years he volunteered at Kennelwood Kennel and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Ritenour High School in 1982, and attended the University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL) while working as a janitor for Ritenour School District. He also attended Vatterott Educational Trade Center and became an electrician.
William was a proud Army veteran who earned multiple medals, ribbons, and was honorably discharged with the rank of E5 Sergeant. Two years after joining the Army he was stationed in South Korea during peacetime for one and a third years. All other military time was spent stateside, taking he and his family to different parts of the US. William received an Electronic Repair Diploma while stationed in Massachusetts. After his last military post, he settled in Georgia.
William worked for Xerox travelling with a territory all over the US. He relocated to Florida for sunshine and warm weather. Tired of travelling, he started his own local handyman service. William, being a compassionate and loving son, took a year off of work in December of 2019 to provide home care for his parents, along with his sisters. Upon returning to Florida during the Covid pandemic, William worked for Allied Security Service. Finally, he was pleased to work for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa, Florida. It was there he gained the nickname "Hollywood." Many individuals he encountered at the hospital saw his long, wavy hair and called him "Hollywood" – despite his correction, "I'm from Missouri, not California."
William is survived by five children and four grandchildren: Chris (Nikki) Winter, Ally and Liam; Sophie Winter; Brandy (Matt) Rogers; Bradley (Nicole) Winter, Bradley Jr. and Braley; and Kaitlyn Winter. Also surviving are 2 uncles: Ralph Winter and Donald Winter; three sisters and one brother: Sheryl Hartke, Elaine Petersen, Marilyn Loreth, and Robert Winter; five nieces and nephews: Nathan Petersen, Brianna Majnerich, Alex Petersen, Samantha Kroehnke, Megan Goodwin, Caleb Loreth, Connor Loreth, Jack Winter, Harper Winter, and Saylor Winter; four great nieces, nine great nephews, and many cousins.
A Memorial Service celebrating William's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Pastor Josh Wolford will officiate the service, and the burial at McKendree Chapel Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home on Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:00 A.M.