Winston Bruce Gothard

Winston Bruce Gothard, 91, of Clifton, Tennessee, peacefully took his last breath on Sunday, March 16, after a brief battle with gastric cancer at Hardin Medical Center, Savannah, Tennessee. Winston, the oldest of seven children, was born on August 24, 1933, in Ringling, Oklahoma, to Telbert and Ollie Belle Gothard.
A graduate of Ardmore High School, he grew up with a strong sense of duty and resilience, and he proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington and Guam. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His dedication to his country was a lifelong source of pride. After his service, Winston pursued a career with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Union working with Chicago Bridge and Iron and ending at RJE Machinery where he worked well into his 80s. During his time working in Jonesboro, Arkansas, he agreed to go on a blind date, and met the love of his life, Shirley. Their meeting set up by Shirley’s best friend led to marriage, and they built a wonderful life together living all over the United States before settling in their forever home of Clifton, Tennessee. His favorite hobbies were beekeeping, reading, and studying scripture. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Kiddy Gothard; son, Winston Bruce Gothard II; and his parents.
Winston is survived by his daughters, Debi Hart and husband Les, of Greenville, South Carolina, and Anna Buswell and husband, Bruce, of Angleton, Texas. He is also survived by his beautiful granddaughters, Erica Alcala of Bryan, Texas. Heather Alcala of Seabrook, Texas. Laney Hebert of San Marcos, Texas, and Kinsley Hebert of Angleton, Texas. He also leaves behind his favorite pet, Momma Cat, and several grand dogs.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff at Hardin Medical Center, Rehabilitation, and Lifespan Health in Clifton. The family is honoring Winston’s wishes, and there will be no funeral services.