Rev. Herman Winningham
12/06/1922 - 04/17/2020
Reverend Herman Son Winningham Sr., a native of Orangeburg County (Bowman, SC), son of the late Richard Winningham Sr. and Rosa Johnson Winningham was born on December 6, 1922. His Lord and Savior beckoned him, he heeded the call and went to his heavenly home on April 16, 2020 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
He attended the public schools of Orangeburg County and was a farmer to his core. Uncle Sam came calling and he was drafted and entered the Navy on June 23, 1943 where he served for 3.5 years.
One day while working in the woods, he saw this beautiful woman who was visiting her grandmother in Rowesville, SC. He told his brother and several of his friends that he was going to marry her. They told him that she was too sophisticated for him. He proved them wrong, and on December 19, 1946, he married his soulmate and the love of his life, the late Lucille Brizz Winningham, who preceded him in death. To this union, they were blessed with 4 wonderful children.
Reverend Winningham received Christ at the early age 6. He was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church where he served in many capacities Including, trustee, deacon, choir member and finally accepting the calling of the ministry until his death. In 2018, his beloved Antioch Baptist Church, which is the family's home church, recognized him as the oldest living member, serving 90 years. What a joyous and wonderful honor.
He was gainfully employed and worked diligently for 32 years at Dupont in Alken, SC (now Savannah River Site) while also fulfilling his ministerial responsibilities. He traveled the highways several days and nights per week for work and his ministerial responsibilities, in addition to his family obligations.
Reverend Winningham loved his family, community and people very much. He was God's servant. He would share whatever he had with others including his time and food from his gardens or cabinets. During his earlier years when his children were in Catholic School, he developed and organized fundraisers that included his annual barbeque and fish fry dinner sales. They were so successful that they would sell out every year. What a testimony to his community work.
Reverend Winningham had a stern countenance, especially when he wanted to get his point across. He said what he meant, and he meant what he said. You always knew where you stood with him because he would impart truth.
After being ordained under the guidance of the late Pastor Wille Bates Jr. of Antioch Baptist Church, Reverend Winningham became the pastor of Mt Pleasant Baptist Church, Fort Motte, SC and Mt. Salem Baptist Church, St. Matthews, SC at the same time due to each church having only 2 services per month. After serving as the pastor of these churches for a few years, he accepted the pastoral position at St. John Baptist Church, Varnville, SC and he led this congregation for 18 years.
Reverend Winningham was a faithful and dedicated worker to his calling and served in various positions within different associations Including Moderator of the New Zion Baptist Association. Upon his retirement from the ministry, he returned to his beloved Antioch Baptist Church as it's elder statesman. He ways looked forward to Sunday morning services including Sunday school, often arriving well before others.
Seven siblings preceded in death: Bertha Winningham Johnson, Geraldine Winningham Chance, Elizabeth Winningham Robinson, Louise Winningham Smith, Ennis Winningham Corley, Richard Winningham Jr. Minnie Winningham Stroud and Evernell Winningham Garvin.
Reverend Winningham is survived by daughters, Faith Winningham Beavers (Bill), Alexandria, VA and Veda White (Byron), Murfreesboro, TN; sons Herman Winningham, Jr. (Jane) and Kevin Winningham (Janice) both of Orangeburg SC; eight grandchildren, William Beavers, San Antonio, Texas and Joshua Beavers, Washington DC; Kevin Alonzo, Olivia and Trinity Winningham, Orangeburg, SC and Chase, Storm and Rayne White, Murfreesboro, TN; one great grandson Austin Winningham, Orangeburg, SC; sisters, Zula Winningham Johnson of Pensacola, FL and Dorothy Winningham Philpot of Orange Park, FL. Sister-In laws Cassie Moseley, Gertrude Marcelle, Jimmie Winningham and Mary Brown, Orangeburg SC and Grace Brown Newark, New Jersey; Brother-In-law Willie Philpot of Orange Park, Florida and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 23, 2020 from 2:00pm – 7:00pm.
In an effort to adhere to COVID-19 precautions regarding social distancing, the family requests that friends do not visit the residence; however, condolences may be expressed via telephone to his son, Mr. Kevin Winningham, at (803) 531-0340, the residence, at (803) 534-7369, or Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg, SC.
Reverend Winningham's Celebration of Life Photo Montage can be viewed below:
The funeral services for Mr. Winningham can be viewed using the link below: