Harry Winston Tinsley

Harry Winston Tinsley, known by most as Winston, lept joyfully into the arms of his Savior with a healed body and mind on November 28, 2024, at the age of 91. 

Winston was born on June 20, 1933, in the Connor Community of Madison County, Texas to Harry and Anna Pauline (Carter) Tinsley. A lifelong resident of Madison County, he embodied the spirit and resilience of the community and town he loved so dearly.

Winston served with honor for two years in the United States Army and during the Korean War, a testament to his commitment to his country and the values he held close throughout his life. Upon returning from the service, he met and married the love of his life, Virginia Ann Sanders, on March 13, 1959. They built a wonderful life together, from which came their two sons, Joe Winston Tinsley, Sr. and Christopher Lamar Tinsley. Winston and his brother, Billy, were partners in the Texaco service station, where many locals remember stopping in for fuel, oil changes, and friendly conversation. He took pride in his work at the station for ten years. In the early 70's, Winston went to work as a field officer for the Texas Department of Corrections, eventually moving to a high rider, and later retiring as a guard from the Trustee camp after twenty-two years of service. His dedication and hard work were evident in all he pursued. Along with his employment at TDC, Winston was a lifelong rancher of Madison County, pouring his heart into the land that had been a part of his heritage. He embodied the true nature of the cowboy legacy, working tirelessly in all seasons to ensure his family enjoyed a more prosperous life. 

Above all, Winston's biggest priority was his family. Known so lovingly by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Poppy or Pop, he gave of his time and talents selflessly to ensure everyone was happy and healthy. He always had a smile on his face as well as a kind conversation for anyone he met. He loved to visit and never met a stranger. 

Winston is survived by his sons, Joe Winston Tinsley, Sr. of Madisonville and Christopher Lamar Tinsley of Madisonville; daughter, Madison Taylor Tinsley of Conroe; brother, Billy Tinsley & wife, Jean, of Madisonville; sister-in-law, Janet Tinsley of Madisonville; grandchildren, Morgan (Tinsley) Clark & husband, Matt, of Madisonville and Joe Winston Tinsley, Jr. & wife, Valerie, of Groveton; great-grandchildren, Layla Clark and John Winston Clark, both of Madisonville, Ty Tinsley of Groveton, Brodi Kirker of Lovelady, who is currently serving in the US Air Force, Carmen Turner of Tomball, Mattie Gore of Moscow, and Hailey Turner of Groveton; as well as three nephews, one niece, and countless friends and family members whose lives he touched.

Winston was a member of First Methodist Church in Madisonville and found strength and solace in his faith, nurturing a spirit of kindness that radiated through all of his interactions. 

Winston was preceded in death by both of his parents; beloved wife of nearly sixty years, Virginia Tinsley; brothers, Horace Lee "Bobby" Tinsley and Joe Edward Tinsley; and three half-sisters. 

A funeral service to celebrate Winston's life will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 11 AM at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas. Dennis Ivey will officiate the service. A burial service will follow at the Madisonville Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved, Virginia. The Tinsley family will receive friends from 10 A.M. to service time at the funeral home.

As we gather to honor his memory, let us reflect on a life well-lived, filled with love, service, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of those around him. Winston Tinsley's legacy will forever be etched in our hearts as we remember his friendly nature, kind demeanor, and a smile the size of Texas. 

A special thank you to devoted caregiver, Paty Sanchez, who provided loving care to Winston during the past year, and to Texas Loving Care Senior Living and staff, who worked tirelessly to meet Winston's daily needs with the utmost care and compassion over the past four months. 

Pallbearers: Joe W. Tinsley, Jr., Matt Clark, John Winston Clark, Mark Tinsley, Russell Tinsley, Jim Tinsley 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, Madisonville, Texas, in Winston's honor

Final arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.