Jeffrey Allen Winkleblack, 50, lifetime resident of Aberdeen and winner of numerous awards at Special Olympics, died Thursday morning, November 20, 2014 at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen.
Jeff was born on September 19, 1964 in Aberdeen to Melford L. and Geneva B. (Signer) Winkleblack. He graduated from J.M. Weatherwax High School in 1981 and attended Grays Harbor College.
Jeff worked at Grocery Outlet in Aberdeen from 2012 until health problems required he quit in July of this year. He was also a Bell Ringer for The Salvation Army. He worked odd jobs in the construction industry for many years and maintained the lawns at the apartment complex where he lived.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Montesano Aerie 94. He enjoyed bowling and making people laugh. He loved to help others, including his brothers and sister. He was always putting others first.
Jeff won numerous awards and medals at the Special Olympics for track and field events and was very proud of them.
Jeff is survived by his Jeff’s companion for 18 years, Michelle Cain of Aberdeen ; his father, Melfred Winkleblack in Shelton; three brothers: LeRoy and Andy of Aberdeen and Ronald of Lacey; a sister Janice Abbie of Hoquiam; a foster-brother, Bill Shumway of Elma; a nephew, David and nieces: Heather and Christina; and a close friend, Tammy Reid. Jeff was preceded in death by an infant brother, Jerry Lee Winkleblack.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place at 2:30 PM Saturday, December 6th at Aldergrove Church of God, Aberdeen.
A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
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