Celebrating the life of
Michael Joseph Winters
June 18, 1941 - June 24, 2026
To view a livestreaming of the Mass on Monday, please click on the following link.
http://www.stjamessav.com/live-stream/
Michael Joseph Winters, Sr. died peacefully at home on June 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Mike was born on June 18, 1941, at St Joseph’s Hospital to Sarah and Aloysius Winters, Sr. He attended Sacred Heart Parochial School, where he was an altar server and played on the football team. He attended Benedictine Military School and is a proud graduate of the class of 1960.
After graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served our country for four years. During his years in the military, he served most of his time overseas in a Special Operations unit in Pakistan and Okinawa supporting operations in Vietnam. Returning home to Savannah, he worked for several years in the transportation industry, with H. J. Baker & Co., Old Dominion Freight Lines, and Eastern Express Line. Mike then went to work for Colonial Oil Industries, now Colonial Group, and served 35 years as the Marine Department Manager. He loved his Colonial family and made many lifetime friends there. While still at Colonial he established Hostess City Services a commercial cleaning business which he owned for several years. Mike retired in 2005 from Colonial.
In his retirement, Mike loved working in the yard and had a green thumb. He could fix anything and had a special affinity for Duct Tape! Mike was a voracious reader, enjoyed mysteries, and had a love for Science Fiction Novels.
In 1968, Mike married a lifelong friend and the love of his life, Bernadette Anne McDonough. Mike and Bernadette were blessed with 8 wonderful children. Mike adored his children and was very involved in their school, church, and sports activities at Sacred Heart. Mike was active in Parish life at Sacred Heart. He served as a member of the Parish Council for many years and was a member of the Savannah Parochial League Committee. He served as a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart and later at St James Church. Mike is a member and faithful communicant of St. James the Less Parish in Savannah. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 631, for 65-plus years.
Mike loved and was endlessly proud of his Irish heritage and was a member of the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, where he served on the Executive Committee and was a member of the Adjutant Staff for over 50 years. He was a member of The Irish Heritage Society, where he served as President, and was a proud member of the Hibernian Society of Savannah. Mike worked in tandem with his wife, Bernadette, in coordinating the Tara Feis Celebration, held annually in Emmet Park the Saturday before St Patrick’s Day for 26 years.
One of Mike’s most cherished activities was being a member of the “BC Boys Lunch Out Class of 1960” that continues today. This BC Class has continued meeting and having Class Reunions since their graduation in 1960. Mike loved music, his favorite singers being Nat King Cole and Dean Martin. He loved musicals, classical, popular, and country music. On their many road trips, he would put in the CD, and he and Bernadette would sing most of the way to their destination. He loved to sing in Church as well. Mike and Bernadette were members of the Friends Supper Club group, which met every other month for 20-plus years. Mike was a member of the Savannah Quarterback Club for many years. As a dedicated DAWG Fan, he began anticipating annually the opening of the College Football Season in late summer. He had happy memories of attending the UGA games in Athens, Ga, and as a member of the Quarterback Club, enjoyed the organization's bus trips to many College and NFL Games over the years.
Of all his loves and interests, none was as important as spending time with his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were the loves of his life. His constant quote to them all was always “Family First”. He was always there to help at home, assist a friend, help with a children’s sporting event, or just lend a helping hand where needed. Mike was a very kind and caring man to the end. He had a great love of his God, his Family and Friends, and a deep and passionate love of his Country and its Flag. Surely at the Heavenly Gates the Lord will say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant”
Mike is pre-deceased by his parents, Sarah and Aloysius Winters, his sister, Patricia Winters Halligan, and brother –in- law Tony Halligan; his brothers, Aloysius Winters, Jr. And his wife Barbara Burns Winters, Kirby Joseph Winters Sr, his niece, Melissa Winters; His father and mother-in-law, Clara and Joe McDonough, His dearest friend and brother-in-law, Michael McDonough, his sisters-in-law Kathleen McDonough, Theresa (Sr Clare McDonough, L.S.P) McDonough, and Clara McDonough Russo.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bernadette McDonough Winters, Eight Children: Michael Joseph Winters, Jr. (Karen) John Patrick Winters (Emily) Theresa Anne Winters Bayman (Sean) Regina Marie Winters (Ken) Daniel Brian Winters (Christina), Bernard McDonough Winters, Stephen Matthew Winters (Kate) and Andrew Doyle Winters (Liza). His brother Jimmy Winters, his sister-in law, Rita Winters, and His Brother-in-Law, Charlie Russo. Ten Grandchildren: Mary Kathleen Winters, Emma Irene Winters, Michael Joseph Winters, III, Clara Elizabeth Bayman, Logan Anthony Bayman, Amelia Grace Winters McVay (George) , Daniel Brian Winters, Jr., Cooper Thomas Winters, Caroline Rose Winters and Benjamin Gleason Winters; Nieces and Nephews: Maureen Halligan Ryan, Anne Therese Halligan, Anthony Halligan, Jr., (Varushka) Aloysius Winters, III, Anthony Winters (Penny) Christopher Winters (Kelly), Kirby Winters, Jr. (Heather) Allison Winters Avinger (Matthew), Gage Winters (Riley), Logan Winters, Carson Winters, Owen Winters, David Winters (Ashley) Kathleen Russo Coppage (Ronald) Bridget Russo Moore (Craig) Julia Russo Maxey (Gene) Cecilia Russo Turner (Bob) Charles J. Russo, III (Cami) and many great nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, and his beloved friend and caretaker, Katrina Edwards.
The family would like to thank the following for their diligent attention and loving care given to Mike and all of the family over these past few months: Administration and Staff of The Savannah VA Clinic, Dr Edward Reed; Hospice of Savannah, especially Nurse Patricia Alderman; Dr Andrew Michigan, Dr Michael Melroy, Dr. Ryon Poston and the staff of St Joseph’s Candler Hospital; The wonderful administration and staff of Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors.
The family requests any donation remembrances be made to Benedictine Military School 6209 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406 or to the Bernadette Winters Music Scholarship Fund at St Vincent’s Academy, 207 East Liberty Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Pall Bearers will be Michael Beytagh, Jerry Hogan Jr., Neal Owens, Anthony Winters, Christopher Ryan, Bourke Cannon, Gene Maxi and Brandon Mell.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Benedictine Class of 1960 and The Hibernian Society of Savannah.
Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 2026 at St. James the Less Catholic Church, with the Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2026 at St. James the Less Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph Smith and the Rev. Msgr. J. Gerard Schreck officiating.
Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that Mike is at peace. My thoughts and prayers are offered for all members of the Winters family. Please let me know if there is nothing that I can do for you, Bernadette.
- Mary Anne Butler, Tybee Island, GA
So sorry for your loss. You took such good care of Mike. He is at peach now. Prayers for the family and friends.
- Helen Taggart, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I know how much you loved him and he you. My prayers are with you snd your family. Much love,
- Frances Conner, Savannah, GA
Please know your entire family is in my prayers at the loss of Mr Winter. May he rest in peace with the communion of saints and angels. May our Lord give all of you peace in his loving embrace.
- Josie Murphy, Savannah, GA
SO MANY SPECIAL MEMORIES OF WATCHING CHILDREN GROW UP AND GETTING HUGS FROM FAMILY . AND THE LOVE SHARED WITH SO MANY.
- EILEEN LINDERMAN NONNENBERG, Clemson, South Carolinia
Bernadette and family,We are praying for you.We know that Mike is singing praises to our Lord.love,Elizabeth and Pete Gresham
- ELIZABETH E GRESHAM, SAVANNAH, GA
Bernadette and family,We are praying for you.We know that Mike is singing praises to our Lord.love,Elizabeth and Pete Gresham
- ELIZABETH E GRESHAM, SAVANNAH, GA
Mike was a wonderful example of a loving husband and devoted father. He lived the vocation that our Lord called on him to be. He was a model of how to live as a Christian. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
- Pam and Will O’Donnell, Metter, Ga
Thinking if you, Bernadette, and your wonderful family!
- Gene Ledlie, Midlothian, Virginia
May the angels lead him into Paradise.
- Fr. Michael J. Kavanaugh, Savannah, GA
Bernadette and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon him.May his soul and the the souls of the all the departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
- Anne and James Byerly, Savannah, GA
Dear Bernadette and family, my sincere condolences to you on the loss of your dear Mike. Sending prayers for you and hoping beautiful memories of Mike will bring you comfort. God be with you. With love and sincere sympathy, Sister Susan
- Sister Susan Arnold Harms, Savannah, Georgia
We are so sorry to hear of the sad passing of your dad.Our sincere condolences to your mum Bernadette and all your brothers and sisters and your wider Winters family.
- Eamonn & Patricia McKiernan , Dublin , Ireland
From our family to yours, condolences and peace to you all during your time of grief. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.
- The DeJuneas Toole Family, Matthews, North Carolina
Our prayers are with you all. God bless.
- Cullum Family , Savannah, Ga
Bernadette,so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- CAROLYN EMERICK, SAVANNAH, Georgia
Bernadette, Deepest sympathy on the death of dear Mike. May he rest in peace.
- Burch & Marie Bryant, Savannah, GA
Bernadette and family, We send our deepest condolences to all of you. “May the Road Rise to Meet Him”. ☘️
- Jay and Jan Holland Ethridge, Alpharetta, Ga
My prayers go out to Bernadette and the entire Winters Family. I know Mike is with Our Lord in Paradise. I hope your memories of him will bring you comfort in the coming days. Love Always, Julia
- Julia A Dyer Strickland, Savannah, Georgia
Bernadette and family, May you find peace in knowing that Mike is now in the presence of God. With deepest sympathy, Richard and Anita Morgan
- Anita Fleming Morgan , Savannah , Ga.
My prayers go out to Bernadette and the entire Winters Family. I know Mike is with Our Lord in Paradise. I hope your memories of him will bring you comfort in the coming days. Love Always,Julia
- Julia A Dyer Strickland, Savannah, Georgia
Bernadette and Family, Thoughts and prayers go out for all of you in this sad time. We are sorry about Mike, and know your faith will give you strength. So many friends are here for you. Jackie and Charlie
- jackie and Charlie Brown, Tybee Island/Metter, Georgia
My Sympathy to the Family! He was a great man & he will be remembered forever.
- Marilyn Hernandez, Savannah, GA
Our heartfelt condolences to Bernadette and the entire Winters family. May you take solace in knowing that Mike is at peace and is in the Lord's loving arms.
- Rick & Kathy Philibin, Plainfield , IL
Bernadette so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time
- Margie Tracy, Blairsville, GA
A candle has been lit!
Mr. Winters was one of the most incredible men I've ever known! Honest, caring, & always upheld the highest integrity!! I'm deeply saddened by his loss, but am unselfishly grateful that he is now at rest, and will certainly enjoy eternal peace with our heavenly Father!!! Shel
- Shel & Cindy Brennan, Savannah, GA
Beginning as a youth, I have long realized the importance, value and luck of being a neighbor then and a lifelong friend of Michael Winters. Condolences and prayers for Bernadette and all family members. And solace knowing that both Michaels (Winters and McDonough) are now together. God Bless. John Jurgensen
- John W. Jurgensen, Savannah, GA
Ms. Bernadette, we are sending lots of love and prayers to your family. I'm sorry the boys and I couldn't make it , but so glad Butch is there.
- Butch and MaryGrace Elmgren, Smyrna, GA
My sincere condolences for Bernadette and the Winters family. I have fond memories of gatherings in your home during my visits to Savannah. Michael and your family always welcomed me as one of their own. May the peace of our Lord surround you.
- Emily Turnure, Tybee Island, Ga
Thinking of your entire family during this difficult period in your lives. Bernadette, I often think about you and the many other BC contacts that I had wonderful experiences with over the years. My wife and I have y'all in our prayers.
- Alan Barnes, Weaverville, NC
Bernadette, we are so sorry about Michael. Please know that you & the family are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed.
- Michael & Jill Flynn, Savannah, GA
Michael Winters, the strong, kind and compassionate man I knew my whole life was truly blessed. Thanks and praise to all my cousins who honored him and his memory. It was a bittersweet joy to bear witness to all the love and grace surrounding him always.
- Ted Sheppard, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Winters (and your loving family), I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Winters' passing and am in awe of such a wonderful legacy that will live on in your hearts. Sending you love, light, and prayers from the West.
- Mark Mizelle, Denver, CO
Dear Bernadette and Family, I am so sorry for the tremendous loss of your dear husband and father. God Bless you all with the peace of knowing that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With Love, Jan Crawford
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Va. Beach, Va.
Mrs. Winters, Teresa, and Regina: I am so very sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you in my prayers. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon him.
- Kelly Rossiter Walker, Chattanooga , TN
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sun, June 28, 2026
- St. James the Less Catholic Church
-
8412 Whitefield Avenue (map)
Savannah GA 31406
- Rosary
- 6:30 p.m. on Sun, June 28, 2026
- St. James the Less Catholic Church
-
8412 Whitefield Avenue (map)
Savannah GA 31406
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 10:00 a.m. on Mon, June 29, 2026
- St. James the Less Catholic Church
-
8412 Whitefield Avenue (map)
Savannah GA 31406
- Burial
- on Mon, June 29, 2026
- Catholic Cemetery
-
1420 Wheaton St. (map)
Savannah GA 31401