Judge Jerry Donald Winchester, 76, of Hightop Road, Corbin, departed this life on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Baptist Health Hospital in Corbin.
He was born on December 4, 1940 in McCreary County, Kentucky to the late Arnold Pete Winchester and Willie Mae (Foster) Winchester.
He grew up in the coal camp of Cooperative, located in McCreary County. He graduated McCreary County High School and went on to attend Cumberland College where he majored in Mathematics and Chemistry. Upon graduation he returned to McCreary County, where he taught High School at the McCreary County High School.
He applied for and was accepted into Law School at the University of Kentucky and upon graduation he became a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was a special agent with the FBI before settling in Corbin, to begin his legal career. Upon moving to Corbin he practiced law for a few years before being elected as the Commonwealth Attorney for McCreary and Whitley Counties. In 1987 he was appointed and later elected as Circuit Judge for the 34th Judicial Circuit. He served the Commonwealth as Circuit Judge for over 25 years.
Jerry Winchester, was active in his community. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Corbin. He worked with the youth, taught Sunday School, was a Deacon, and also served as a Trustee.
He held the position of Trustee with the University of the Cumberlands. He was member of the Whitley-McCreary County Fraternal Order of Police. He was active in the Corbin Rotary Club for many years. He was a member of the Hugh Harris Masonic Lodge. He coached various little league teams, he attended many dance and piano recitals. He was a patron of the fine arts. He was proud of his Eastern Kentucky heritage.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nellie Lee (Lovett) Winchester of Corbin; son, Judge Paul Winchester and his wife Michelle of Corbin; daughter, Paula JeNell Winchester of Corbin; two grandchildren, Jerry Paul Winchester and Shelby Mae Winchester of Corbin; sisters, Sue Kidd of Pine Knot and Kay McCall of Rayne, LA; brother, Eddie Winchester of Alamonte Springs, FL; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends to mourn his passing. He is also survived by his beloved dogs Big Mike and Little Bob.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, at Croley Funeral Home.
Visitation on Thursday November 9 will begin at 11 a.m. followed by the funeral services beginning at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Corbin with Rev. Austin Carty, Rev. Alex Lockridge and Rev. Paul Sims officiating.
Following the service he will be laid to rest in the Croley Edition Highland Park Cemetery in Williamsburg.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Youth Fund of First Baptist Church, Corbin, Kentucky.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.croleyfuneralhome.com
Croley Funeral Home of Williamsburg is in charge of the arrangements.
