James Aaron Winstead

James Aaron Winstead, 86, passed away Saturday, June 30 at home in Rocky Mount, NC. He was born August 16, 1931 on the family farm in Sandy Cross, Nash County to the late Dempsey Richard and Rhoda Lindsey Winstead, the ninth of ten boys. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Corine Joyner Winstead and his brothers – Melton, William, Otha, Russell, Leaston, John, Horace, Norman, and Cleveland.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughter, Terri Winstead Sharpe and husband Gary, his grandson David Sharpe and fiancé Kristen Brabble, sisters-in-law, Virginia Winstead and Nellie Rhea Winstead, and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly as “Uncle Aaron”.

Aaron loved fishing at the coast or the local pond, baseball, classic country music, and the UNC Tar Heels. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting and story-telling with family or with good friends at Jack’s Grocery. He was a member of West Mount Ruritan Club and “Sleepy” always kept everyone on time. Aaron will be remembered most for his handiwork in his woodshop, where he carved and painted hundreds of duck decoys over the years, and in his kitchen, where he made his celebrated cakes and pecan pies.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dottie Bryant, the staff and caregivers at Amada Senior Care and Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital.
A visitation will be held, Tuesday, July 3rd, at 10:00 am with service to follow at 11:00 am at Cornerstone Funeral Home of Nashville. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.