Samuel R. Windle, Sr.
Posted: April 30, 2009
Samuel Ralph Windle, Sr., 92, of Carrollton, AL, passed away April 27, 2009, at his residence. Services were held at Carrollton Baptist Church on Thursday April 30, 2009 at 11:00 pm with the Rev Parker Windle, Dr. P. Joe Whitt, Rev. Tommy Winders and Rev. Ralph Windle, Jr. officiating. Burial followed at Carrollton City Cemetery. Visitation was held Wednesday April 29, 2009, at the funeral home. Skelton Funeral Home of Reform was in charge of arrangements. On April 1, 1917 there was born into the home of Minnie and Cole Windle, a son named Samuel Ralph Windle, the oldest of 7 children. Mr. Windle started his life out in a community called Kirk, several miles outside of Gordo, Alabama. He was a self-employed business man most of his adult life operating a lumber business, hardware store, clothing stores and a grocery store. Back in the mid 1950’s he also served for 4 years as a representative in the State Legislature in Montgomery, AL. Mr. Windle has lived the past 5 years at his home with caregivers with him around the clock. His main caregiver, Mrs. Louise Grey, not only cared for him these past 5 years but also cared for his wife for 6 years until her death. Mr. Windle was married to Ruby Pearl Parker Windle for 67 years. He provided care for her in their home until her death six years ago. They were able to celebrate 67 years of marriage together. Mr. Windle has been a member of the Carrollton Baptist Church since 1945. The church recently honored him by electing him Deacon Emeritus, which is an honorary deacon for life. Come and join with us in a celebration of life. Mr. Windle is preceded in death by his wife – Ruby Parker Windle; parents – Cole and Minnie Pate Windle; and sisters – Laura Poole and Genia Billings. Mr. Windle is survived by his daughter – Emily W. Kirk (Buddy) of Carrollton, AL; sons – Ralph Windle, Jr. (Ann) of Columbus, MS and Dennis Windle (Sandra) of Northport, AL; sisters – Dot Walters (Richard) and Jeweleen Burkhalter; brothers – Olen Windle (Kathryn) and Bobby Windle (Bonnie); five grandchildren – Amy Kirk McIntosh (John), Leigh Ann White, Carol Kirk Reeves (Keith), Parker Windle and Savannah Pate (Jason); five great-grandchildren – Jake McIntosh, Sam White, Ashleigh White, Mallory McIntosh and Matthew Reeves; and three step great-grandchildren – Jennifer, Brooke and Carrington Reeves. Pallbearers were Parker Windle, John McIntosh, Keith Reeves, Jason Pate, Jake McIntosh and Sam White. Honorary pallbearers were the Men’s Bible Class at Carrollton Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Carrollton Baptist Church Building Fund or Missions Fund P.O. Box 457, Carrollton, AL 35447 or Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Rd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35404.