WEEMS—Thomas Benjamin “Ben” Winstead of Weems began his final journey on November 19, 2017.
He was born April 21, 1936, and was raised in Weems where he attended the local Weems school having one teacher teaching several grades. The school was heated with a wood stove so after lunch and physical education each child brought in an arm full of wood to keep the classroom warm during the day. His Saturdays were busy learning the ways of a waterman from his father.
After high school, he served his country in the U. S. Army for two years. Upon returning to Weems, he was employed by Safeway Stores as produce manager and retired after 20 years of service. He could not ignore his love for the water and returned to it by purchasing a Chesapeake Bay deadrise boat which he used to catch crabs and oysters for several years.
He was a life-long member of Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church. He was very friendly and never knew a stranger.
Ben is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice H. Winstead; a daughter and son-in-law, Victoria Winstead Davis and Floyd Davis of Powhatan; and a son and daughter-in-law, John Thomas Winstead and Sylvia Winstead of Pulaski, Wis.; grandchildren, Lauren Bond, Christopher Davis, Jonathan Davis, Stone Winstead, Madison Winstead, Hunter Winstead, Austin Winstead and Luke Winstead; and one great-grandchild, Elijah Joseph.
The family will receive friends for the viewing and service beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, at Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3712 Weems Road, Weems.
Memorials may be made to Kilmarnock/Lancaster Rescue Squad, PO Box 333, Kilmarnock, VA 22482
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock is handling the arrangements.
