Winston Williford Sr.

Winston Oliver Williford Sr., 56, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Charleston, Missouri, was a loving husband, father and friend who passed away Friday, March 6, 2015, in a fatal car accident.

He had touched so many lives and was instrumental in leading hundreds of people to the Lord.

Winston was born July 18, 1958, in Wyatt, Missouri, to the late Vernon and Mary Kidd Williford of Pinhook, Missouri.

He attended Charleston High School, received a ministerial degree at Landmark Evangelism Center in Dallas and later received accreditation at the Messianic Jewish Theological Institute.

A man who knew all too well the struggles of addiction, he gave up his life to truly find it and dedicated over a decade of his life to loving, helping, counseling and pastoring many with life-controlling addictions and problems through Mid America Teen Challenge, where he previously was a minister.

He always said, "Don't thank me; thank God."

Winston was happiest and best known when he was behind a guitar, entertaining people and playing for the Lord, a memory that will be carried out for many generations through his sons. He and his family have blessed many people through music.

Winston had a past, one that he was not proud of, but as many now know, God truly changed him. He learned from his past and was able to relate and help those who were in the darkest of places to bring them to the light, which is the Lord. If he could have one last wish, it would be that you would have a real, personal relationship with God, truly know him and let him change your life forever as it did his.

On August 29, 1996, he married Pamela Crowley, whom he leaves behind, along with his two sons, Winston Oliver Williford Jr. of Cape Girardeau and J.D. Mungle of St. Louis; daughter-in-law, Micah Mungle; and grandson expected soon, Elijah; three brothers, Thomas (Sandra) Woodruff of Bardwell, Kentucky, Roy Woodruff of Ridgeport, Texas, and Dennis (Debbie) Williford of Advance, North Carolina; three sisters, Phillis Wright of Barlow, Cynthia Moser of Big Sandy, Tennessee, and Joyce (Larry) Grenier of Belleview, Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Stanley Williford and Dale Williford.

Visitation will be at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

A memorial service will be conducted at 6 p.m. with Craig Tate, pastor of Freedom Challenge in Bastrop, Louisiana, and Jack Hargraves, pastor of Victory Chapel in Charleston, officiating.

Private interment rites will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Winston Williford Memorial Fund, which has been established to assist in continuing his ministry outreach: Winston Williford Memorial Fund, c/o US Bank, 325 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be shared at mcmiklefuneralhome.com.