Mr. George Austin Winkler age 90, of Starke passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at his residence. He was born in Starke on July 19, 1931 to the late Edwin Austin Winkler and Bessie Marie (Ferguson) Winkler. George graduated from Bradford High School in 1949 where he was a class officer and athlete. He played both football and basketball. During his senior year he was captain of the basketball team that participated in the 1949 state tournament. George attended the University of Florida from 1950 - 1951 and in 1952 he began military training in electronic maintenance and soldiering at Fort Benning, completing the program in 1953. He retired from Federal Civil Service working at Camp Blanding for over 35 years, his position at retirement was Electronic Maintenance Supervisor. He also retired with honors as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 from the Florida Army National Guard with 42 years of service to his country. George was an active member of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Starke and as such served in many leadership positions and assignments. He was an avid Gator fan and a member of the Gator Booster Club. His other memberships include the Military Officers Association of America and the National Guard Officers Association. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Burney (Rowsey) Winkler, Daughter, Rebecca Eugenia Winkler, brothers, Warren Winkler and Edward Winkler; sisters Julia Underhill, Merry Shepherd and Martha Smith; granddaughter, Megan Jackson, and son-in-law, Gene McCarn. Survivors are, his daughters, Melissa Winkler Stringer of Dahlonega, Georgia and Clare Winkler McCarn of Ludowici, Georgia; grandchildren, Rileigh Alyssa Stringer, Rhett Austin Stringer and Colton Garrett Infinger, great grandsons, Colt Thomas Stringer, Kayden Lane Kareklas and Charlie Paul Stringer, sister-in-law, Sue Winkler of Starke along with several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of life will take place on Tuesday. July 19, 2022 at St. Marks Episcopal Church at 2:00 PM with Reverend Atkinson officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Building Fund for St. Marks, 212 N, Church St., Starke, FL 32091. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME OF STARKE 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com. A Celebration of Life Tuesday, July 19, 2022 2:00 PM - St. Mark's Episcopal Church 212 N. Church Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200