Gary Scott Winter was truly a special and remarkable man who made a lasting and positive impression on all who knew him. After 78 years, his earthly life ended on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, but the impact of his life will continue to live on in our hearts.

He was born November 21, 1947 in Canyon, Texas, the son of Mack Carl Winter and Irene Pikramenos Winter. In addition to his parents Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Gerganous.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Andrea Meyer Winter; son, Scott Garreth Winter; daughter, Hillary Winter Sebald and husband, Robert Charles Sebald; grandchildren, Carter Mack Winter, MaKenna Finley Winter, John Robert Sebald, Harriett Ann Sebald, and James Taswell Sebald; sister, Renee Winter Otero and husband, James Alan Otero; many extended family members and friends.

The last three weeks of Daddy's life was in a hospital and hospice care, and the doors of his rooms were revolving doors where lots of love was given and received by so many people from those serving us at the hospital to family and friends. Ha! Even in the hallways, he got folks smiling and walking as Daddy was making his laps trying to strengthen for surgery. We thought he would receive surgery to enjoy more years in his body, but that was not to be a reality for him. He got to enjoy eternal healing sooner than we desired.

As a boy, Daddy was the only boy out of about 10 who survived an illness after his Granny Ola and her church cried out to God on his behalf for healing. She committed him to God's service if God would heal him.

At age 60, Daddy came to an understanding of grace and love and peace that he had never quite understood that immediately and continuously transformed his life from one of striving to one of leaning on God, learning to trust God over himself, and learning to work out of love and worship instead of fear of not accomplishing enough.

He had a knack for being able to lighten up the tightest room in the most difficult situations with a refreshing and honest perspective that left people at ease and motivated to move forward in some of the most difficult and mundane moments of life.

Daddy was inspired by God to tell others the good news that Jesus came humbly to the world as a babe and lived a perfect life, died the death of one who never sinned to pay the debt of sin for those who would believe that Jesus was their Lord and Savior, and was raised to life 40 days later. Now, we await His return as we serve Him joyfully.

He wanted to tell everyone, especially, but not limited to, those closest to him. He deeply desired those he loved to know this truth, experience the freedom of salvation from their sins through Christ, and respond naturally with serving others…being the hands and feet of Jesus wherever they went. He most enjoyed serving his friends, family, and others through Baptist Disaster Response work.

I think Daddy's wish would be that all find God's love and truth, then serve others with heart, hands, and mind.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Burgaw Baptist Church with Pastor Danny Justice and Pastor Nick Smith conducting the service.  The family will receive friends and visitors after the service in the church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions in Gary's memory to Baptist On Mission, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Memo line Disaster Response in memory of Gary Winter.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

Baptists On Mission
PO Box 1107, Cary NC 27512