He was a Riverboat Captain and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was a member of Pilot's Agree Union. Billy was a "piddler" that always had a project going. He was a procrastinator and a perfectionist. If things were not done up to his specs, the "Old Gray Wolfe" came out. He enjoyed woodworking, building things, fabricating, hunting, fishing but his greatest love was spending time with his family and grandchildren. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Mike Houston and Bruce Houston; his mother and father-in-law, Joy Mae and Cecil Lee Pharr; and a grandbaby.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Deborah Joy Pharr Winders of Monticello; one son, William Lee Winders and wife Wendy of Marion; one daughter, Elizabeth Joy Stringfellow and husband Brandon of Monticello; his mother, Ruby Iline Brixie Winders of Monticello; two sisters, Ruby Brixie and husband Milton and Mariann Woods and husband Mark of Monticello; two brothers, Randall Winders and wife Twila of Monticello and Jimmy Houston and wife Brenda of Mayflower; four grandchildren, Jordan Burch, Ethan Winders, Lizzy Grace and Sofie Kate Stringfellow; one great grandson, Aiden Burch; a brother-in-law, Byron Pharr and wife Marion; and a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Condolences(25)
Angie Phillips
Monticello, AR Monday, July 13, 2020 Dear Debra, Lee, and Joy,We were so sorry to hear about Billy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Billy was a great person and will be missed by all who knew him. May God bless and bring comfort and strength to each of you!
Thinking of you,
Johnny and Angie Phillips
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 Deborah & Family,I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you all are in my thoughts & prayers.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
Robin Johnson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Love and prayers for all of you!Robin Johnson
Rufus Henson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 I’m so sorry for your loss. Billy was a wonderful person who always had a smile and took time to stop and speak whenever he noticed someone. I remember especially when I was in high school and he worked on my elcamino just because he enjoyed tinkering. He was most surely a special person and made a very positive impact on this world. I’ll keep your family in my prayers.Phillip Herring
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Dear Deborah,I was so saddened for you when I learned of your husband's death. Please know that you, Lee, Joy, and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you all!
Phillip Herring
David & Sharon Barnes
Rowlett, TX Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Debra and all the Family, we are so very sorry for your loss! We will continue to pray for you! The Lord Is Faithful!Blessings,
Judy Hatley Smith
Jacksonville, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 I am thinking of your family and praying for peace that passes all understanding for all friends and loved ones.Judy Mason
Auburn, WA Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Deborah, my I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family for loss.Kay McAnally
Lake Village, AR Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Deborah and family, we were so sad to hear of Billy's passing. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.Praying that God gives you leave and comfort. LoveKay and Garland McAnally
Jimmy Sawyer
, AR Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Deborah and family, I am at loss for words for the sudden loss of Billy. Loved to hear his stories of life on the river. Will truly miss him. Praying that God will help you thru this difficult time.Pamela Tharp
, IL Tuesday, June 30, 2020 My heart and prayer's go out to this loving family.Capt Bill was a kind and wonderful man. A storyteller of many about his wonderful family and some of his close friends.
He will be missed on the river by all of us who had the privilege to know him. God bless you all at this time.
Sincerely, Pamela Tharp, Cook M/V Ray A. Eckstein
Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Jimmy sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.Dennis Wells
Capt.Jeffrey Slack
159 leslie drive,Scott Depot 25560, WV Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Dear Winders Family,This is Capt. Jeffrey SLack from Western rivers boat mag..My prayers r with u at this time .I m truly sorry for this tragedy.I Have worked with Capt. Bill for years , starting with Marquette, Capt. has showed me and alot of others the ropes of Navigating the lower Mississippi river.And i have worked Capt. Bill at Western river for ths last 4 years.Im sad the good lord took him from u, Because we need more Folks like him AND HE WAS A TRUE MARQUETTE LEGENDJay Strait
, KY Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Our thoughts and prayers are with the Winders Family. We will miss Bill greatly.Katie Davis Green
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Joy & Family,I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Just know my prayers are with you now and the days to come. All my love.
Denise Dumars
Springfield, MO Monday, June 29, 2020 Dear Deborah, Joy & Lee,I am just finding out about Billy’s passing. I am so very sorry for your loss and wish I were closer to give you a big hug. Billy was a wonderful man, and I know this is very difficult for you all. May Christ’s love and peace comfort you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Denise Dumars
Steve norris
Foley, AL Monday, June 29, 2020 Sorry for your loss. Capt Bill will be miss . He taught Me how to run Mississippii River and was still learning from him.Barbara Newton
Monticello, AR Monday, June 29, 2020 So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Ladonna & Jessie dodson
Momticello, AR Monday, June 29, 2020 So sorry for your lost Mrs Winders Lee and Joy prayers for your family at this timeJoann
Monticello, AR Monday, June 29, 2020 Deborah & family I am so sorry for your loss.My prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
God bless
cynthia spencer
Benton, AR Monday, June 29, 2020 Maryann, I am sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.The Cruce Family
Monticello, AR Monday, June 29, 2020 Mrs. Deborah & Joy, & Lee & family,We are so very heart broken and so sorry for your loss! We are praying for you and your families and that God gives you comfort & strength in the days to come.
With love & prayers, Brandon, Ashley & Lauren Cruce
Jim and Brenda Houston
Mayflower, AR Sunday, June 28, 2020 We are with you during this time and hope you will let us know how we can support and provide assistance during these trying times.We love and support you, and yours, and will assist, as needed.
Jim and Brenda Houston
Dorothy McDonnell
Gainesville, FL Sunday, June 28, 2020 Deborah, I am so sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.Gloria Schwab
Bentonville, AR Saturday, June 27, 2020 Deborah and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss . Praying for peace and comfort during this very difficult time .