thompsonfuneralhome1941@gmail.com
(870) 483-6313 (870) 483-6311

Chief Ricky Lee Winkles, Sr.
February 5, 1960 - January 28, 2014

Chief Ricky Lee Winkles, Sr., of Trumann, Ark., died Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark., at the age of 53 years, 11 months and 23 days. He was born Friday, February 5, 1960 in Jonesboro, Ark., and had lived his lifetime in Trumann. He was the fire chief for the City of Trumann Fire Department, a reserve deputy for Poinsett County Sherriff

 Print Obituary

Service details

 Print Guestbook
  1. The Davis Family, Trumann, Arkansas says
    February 5, 2014

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  2. Mark Penter, North Little Rock, Ar says
    February 3, 2014

    My prayers go out to Ricky's family and friends. He was a great guy and truly an asset to society.

  3. Johnny Johnson, Marion, AR says
    February 1, 2014

    Bonnie, I am so sorry for your loss. I served with Rick on QCourt. This was such a shock to me. We just never know when it's our time. I pray that God will give you and boys will find Peace and Comfort in all the memories of Rick. My daughter, Jennifer graduated with your son that is around 30. God Bless your family. Johnny, Lisa and Jennifer Johnson.

  4. Rene Shelton, Trumann, Ar. says
    February 1, 2014

    My deepest sympathies to Ricky's family and to all of his firefighter family. For the many years I have known him from cooking for him and some of his fire fighter buddies occasionally up at Couch's, He always had a smile for everyone. A great guy!!I have no doubt he is walking the streets of Gold now!!I pray the Lord wraps his arms around all of you and comforts you during this tough time. With a heavy heart I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Rene Shelton

  5. Ken and Becky Allen, Batesville, Ar says
    February 1, 2014

    God bless the Chief's family and all the firemen who risk their lives daily to protect us, and save our homes.

  6. Nathan Heald, Siloam Springs, Arkansas says
    February 1, 2014

    I had the opportunity to meet Ricky while attending Department of Emergency Management Conferences a few times. He was always a joy to be around, made for some great memories. He will be missed.Sincerely,Nathan Heald, Former Director of Emergency Management in Siloam Springs.

  7. 1st sgt Robert Burdyshaw, ret., Jonesboro AR says
    February 1, 2014

    Ricky was a good, dependable National Guard trooper for the 875th.

  8. Mike Johnson, Trumann Class says
    February 1, 2014

    SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF MY FRIEND rICKY WINKLES. RICKY AND I WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER. HE WILL BE MISSED. MAY GOD SEND COMFORT TO THE FAMILY AND TO THOSE WHO KNEW HIM.

  9. Charlie Pope, United States says
    February 1, 2014

    Saddened for your loss; heartfelt prayers for Family,Friends,and Brother Firefighters.

  10. Mr & Mrs Postell, Trumann ark says
    February 1, 2014

    He was a great man and he died doing something he love to do my prayers goes out to the family and friends...

  11. Tammy Fleming -Stanley, Bay,AR. says
    February 1, 2014

    I want to send my condolences to the Winkles family. He was a very good man and severd the city of Trumamm well. R.I.P CHIEF RICK WINKLE

  12. Debby Watson, United States says
    February 1, 2014

    So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Debby Cromwell Watson

  13. Angela Swanner, Jonesboro, Arkansas says
    February 1, 2014

    So sorry for you loss. He was a great man! May God be with you and comfort you during this time.

  14. Garvin Gatewood, Rector, Ar says
    February 1, 2014

    You have my sympathies. As a retired Rector fire chief and the father of a Jonesboro firefighter, I understand the dedication and hard work involved. Men like Chief Winkles make us all proud. May God give you comfort and strength.

  15. Nolan Jones, Lowell, ArkansasM says
    January 31, 2014

  16. Brenda Winkles Clark, Bluefield, WV says
    January 31, 2014

    Prayers and thoughts for my family

  17. Nita Richardson Cabaniss, Foley, AL says
    January 31, 2014

    So so saddened by this loss. Even though I haven't seen Rick in a long time, I have many fond and funny memories of him from high school. Rest in peace, and may your family feel comfort in knowing you were very well respected and loved by so many!Prayers lifting for the family!

  18. Austin & Katherine DePriest, Greenwood, Ar says
    January 31, 2014

    Parying for you & the family.

  19. Tabitha Anderson, paragould,arkansas says
    January 31, 2014

    Prayers and Condolences.... Sorry for your loss

  20. Toni Maurizi, Trumann says
    January 31, 2014

    I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you & the Trumann Fire Dept.

  21. Mistie Cloninger, Vilonia, AR says
    January 31, 2014

    Sorry to hear the loss of a friend and a great fireman......Praying for family

  22. Melvin Pickle, Vilonia, AR says
    January 31, 2014

    Very sorry to hear about the loss of the greatest person an friend a person can have. praying for the family

  23. Misty Barnes, Trumann,Ar says
    January 31, 2014

    I'm gonna miss you more than anyone would think. You always made me feel part of the family. I loved you and love you as if you were my own dad you were the best man I've ever met in the world. You were the greatest dad and papaw that anyone could ask for there hasn't been an hour gone yet that I haven't cried. Shawn wants his papaw so bad, your family misses you so badly I know your up in heaven looking down and up there with your sister and me and ricky have said we can't wait for the day we get to see you again.

  24. Debra Benson, Truman, Ar says
    January 31, 2014

    My deepest sympathy to the family. Rick was a great man whom the whole community will miss. He was always happy and had a smile on his face when ever or where ever you met him. We truly lost a great man, but Heaven has truly gained a Saint. Take comfort in knowing he is home with Jesus and we will be join him one day. Prayers are with the family. God will give you the strength to get thru. Love, Your Sister In Christ

  25. Courtney Taborn-Radford, buckeye arizona says
    January 31, 2014

    We send our prayers and love to your family love Guy's and Taborn.

  26. Tammy Williams McNatt, Trumann, AR says
    January 31, 2014

    I would like to extend our deepest sympathy on behalf of our family to the family of Rick. Our prayers are with you all. Brother Sonny and Sister Shirley we can't imagine losing your children so close together. Our prayers are with you, Rick's siblings, wife Bonnie and sons. Also to the TFD, A Brother-Hood of brave men and women. May God comfort and give you all strength in the days to come. Rick will be so missed. God Bless, Jimmy and Geneva Williams, Tammy and Trandon McNatt, Shawna Williams Owens, Trey, Janie New and Kelsey New.

  27. Judy Manes Daniel, Trumann says
    January 31, 2014

    I sit here and can not find the words to comfort you except what comes to mind is the poem "Foot Prints In The Sand". The Manes Family love you very much and your family has meant the world to us. May God wrap his arms around each and every one of you in this hard time and that there was so many in heaven of mine and your families that welcome him in. His is with God, Tisha now and the love ones that left before him. Heaven has received another wonderful angel.

  28. Jan Brune, Sheridan, AR says
    January 31, 2014

    Rick was a good friend to me when I lived in Trumann and was always willing to provide a program for the Lions Club. He was also a good friend to Crown Trophy. I know that you will miss him. He was taken too soon. My prayers are with you. Jan

  29. Dennis Lore, Harrisburg, AR says
    January 31, 2014

  30. Linda Cartwright, Augusta, Ga says
    January 31, 2014

    Please except my deepest condolences. My prayers are with your family.

  31. Janis, Greenbrier says
    January 31, 2014

    As a retired Arkansas Forestry Commission employee who worked with paid and mostly volunteer fire departments, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you with strength and comfort.

  32. Stephen Casteel, Newport arkansas says
    January 31, 2014

    I would like to give my deapest sympathy to your family. I never had the pleasure of meeting Cheif Winkles. I do however believe he was a great inspiration to your family, his department, and the community of Trumann. Eventhough we never met we both have a common goal, that is to protect property and save lives. He is a brother I never met but will always be in my memory. I thank him for his service. I pray your family to heal from the emotional heart break. I pray for his fellow firefighters. I pray that his common goal continues in his name, in your community. God speed my brother. Diaz, AR Fire Department Lt. Stephen Casteel FF/AEMT

  33. Jerry L. Smith, Jonesboro AR says
    January 31, 2014

    I knew Rick through his participation in the ASU Regional Leaders Program. He was a standout member and I always felt privileged to know and call him a friend.

  34. Donnie & Iva Scroggins, Trumann, AR says
    January 31, 2014

    We wish that God will heal you in this very difficult time. Ricky was a cornerstone of Trumann and a friend to all. May God bless you.

  35. Linda Nixon burgess, Marianna ar says
    January 31, 2014

    Sorry for the winkles family lost I knew his brother randy winkles who was my brother Charles Nixon classmate the Nixon and Burgess family send our condolences

  36. Jerome & Becky Simmons, Marked Tree says
    January 31, 2014

    You guys are in our prayers. Rick was a wonderful example to everyone.

  37. Danny Williford, Jonesboro AR says
    January 31, 2014

    My condolences to the Winkle family.In the time that I had known Rick I found him to be a humble sincere knowledgeable and dedicated Firefighter and person. He cared greatly about family and his firefighters. Rick was also my friend and will be greatly missed by all the lives he touched. Via Con Dios Chief

  38. John May, Trumann,Arkansas says
    January 31, 2014

    Sorry for your loss of a great man.

  39. Darren & Sandy Criss, Jackson, TN says
    January 31, 2014

    Randy & family so sorry for your loss.Have yall in our thoughts & prayers.

  40. Patricia Smith, Palmetto, Florida says
    January 30, 2014

    So sorry for your loss! Rick will be missed by many people. Trumann, Ar. had suffered a tremendous loss.

  41. Jamie McClung, Trumann, AR says
    January 30, 2014

    Bonnie, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

  42. Roy & Melinda Whitaker, Michigan City, Indiana says
    January 30, 2014

    I am so sorry for your loss. This family has been through so much and your faith just keeps getting stronger. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.

  43. Penny Maxwell, Trumann Ar says
    January 30, 2014

    I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was very much respected in this community and will be greatly missed. May God wrap his arms around your family and bring you you peace and comfort.

  44. Ricky & Gayle Eastin, Harrisburg, Ar. says
    January 30, 2014

    We're So Sorry for the Loss Once More for this Family in Such a Short Time. We Love You All, Holding You All up to The Heavenly Father for His Complete Peace. God Bless the Winkles Family

  45. kim helton everhart, trumann ark says
    January 30, 2014

    Sorry for your loss he was a good man

  46. Renee' Cochran Cline Farmer, Portland, TN says
    January 30, 2014

    On behalf of my family and I, we would like to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences for the loss of Ricky, our thoughts are with his family, friends and brave colleagues who do a dangerous job every day saving lives, my late husband was a firefighter/Medic in Franklin, TN and lost his life Oct. 22, 2009 in the line of duty. Ricky sent items to me and helped me in so many ways just talking me through things. I pray for strength for Bonnie and their children fot comfort through the following days to come. He were truly a HERO, Ricky. I am honored to call you my friend.

  47. Fawnda Macias (Owens), Elaine,Arkansas says
    January 30, 2014

    He was a great man and will be missed

  48. Shirley McClaughlin Redd, Jonesboro, Ar says
    January 30, 2014

    I am sadden at another lost of a friend from Trumann. I pray that the family will have peace in the lost of another child. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.

  49. Charles Ward, Jonesboro, AR says
    January 30, 2014

    To the Winkles family I am truly saddened to hear of your recent loss and would like to express my sincere condolences to you. Rick was such an amazing person who touched the lives of many. I hope the family find courage and strength to bear your loss.

  50. Fire Marshal Stephen Johnson, Texarkana, Arkansas says
    January 30, 2014

    Chief Winkles will be missed dearly. My condolences to the family. You will be in my prayers.

  51. Patricia Smith, Palmetto, Florida says
    January 30, 2014

    So sorry for your loss! Rick will be missed by many people. Trumann, Ar. had suffered a tremendous loss.

  52. Sharron Turman, Jonesboro says
    January 30, 2014

    Bonnie and boys: My heart breaks for you. Rick was a special man that was always willing to help me when I was at Trumann. My Prayers are asking the Heavenly Father to wrap his arms around you all and give you comfort until you see your loved one again. May you be blessed.

  53. Camelia Wagner Ballard, Jonesboro Arkansas says
    January 30, 2014

    So sorry to hear of your loss. I have know Rick for many years. He was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly by many and especially his family. Praying God's peace to be with each of you!

  54. Scott & Lisa (Wilson) Cochran, Portland, TN says
    January 30, 2014

    To the family of Rick....Scott and I both send our deepest condolences. Please know that each one of you are in your daily prayers asking OUR HEAVENLY FATHER to wrap HISE arms around each one of you and to give y'all peace & comfort during this difficult time. I have no doubt that OUR GOD will give each one of you a peace you will never forget!! God Bless!!

  55. Stacy E. Ellis, Goodyear, Arizona says
    January 30, 2014

    My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

  56. Glenda Rusher, Bay,Arkansas says
    January 30, 2014

    My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.So sorry for your loss,I know he will be missed. We never know what our men and women in uniforms face each second of the day.God bless you all.. R I P Rick.

  57. Becky & Jerome Simmons, Marked Tree says
    January 30, 2014

    We are so sorry about your loss. Rick was an awesome guy and a great example to all of us. Your family is in our prayers.

  58. Billy & Sherry Brooks, Paragould, AR says
    January 30, 2014

    To the Winkles family - we were so very sorry to hear of Chief Winkles death. He was a hard-working, dedicated firefighter, always going the extra mile to serve Trumann. We pray God wraps His arms around all of you and comfort you as only He can.

  59. Amy Johnson, Trumann, Arkansas says
    January 30, 2014

    You were such a brave man, you left this world a true hero!! You are now walking those streets of gold with our Lord... how lucky you are! Fly High Brother! RIP!! <3

  60. Bryan Ruffin, Trumann, AR says
    January 30, 2014

  61. Anet Brown Cox, Manila, Ar - Formally says
    January 30, 2014

    RIP, Rick....

Sign Guest Book