Albert Winchester

Al Winchester, born December 13, 1948, passed suddenly on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from complications of being a “Winchester”. A Holly area native, Al was renowned for his sense of humor, those baby blue eyes and being the consummate lady’s man. He was proceeded in death by his Mom (Betty) and father (Steve), brothers (Steve and Larry), sisters (Alice Jean, Gail and Karen) and son, Dennis Winchester. Father to daughter, Toni Anderson, the proudest Grandfather to Damen Winchester and Jenni Anderson, and Great Grandfather to Dawsen Winchester (Damen). Nothing made Al happier than racing snowmobiles with Winchester Racing 123 in Houghton Lake with his Grandson Damen; he would often boast about how proud he was to be a grandfather. Al also leaves behind a gang of beloved nieces and nephews, along with numerous sisters and brothers from another mother. As a Master Mason, Al laid brick on some of our own local gems like Ascension Genesys Hospital, Holly High School, Bottom’s Up and your neighbor’s garage. Him and his brother Larry even repaired the rock wall at Lakeside Cemetery out of the goodness of their hearts. Because he was Al Winchester, he never missed a chance to help a friend or at least tell them what they were doing wrong. As a retired bachelor, Al enjoyed racing and working on his snowmobiles, golf, animals (mainly chihuahuas), and flirting with (some may say terrorizing) the local bartenders. One for inside jokes, but “not one to gossip”, Al had a playful way of including each one of his friends in his shenanigans and sharing exactly how he felt about any situation. Strong in opinion and quick with a joke, Al was always surrounded by dear friends and held lasting friendships spanning all the decades of his long life. For many years you would find Al sitting right next to his brother Larry, carrying out a comedy routine that left all those around them in uproarious laughter. Whether it was during his many years playing and coaching softball, his years as a mason, the many, many years as a Moose member, bar stool benefactor, or delivering treats and small gifts for his friends kids it surely came with a bright smile. Al spread love to many with thoughtful gifts, a beer, a hug, and a smooch. If Al Winchester was anything, he was a man that loved hard and out loud. Unapologetic and a force to be reckoned with, Al Winchester lived life exactly the way he wanted. Why? Because he was a Winchester. We invite you celebrate Al’s long life among his family and friends on Saturday, December 16th at 2pm at Dryer Funeral Home. Followed by a dinner brought to you by Backroads Bar and Grill, who have generously offered to host all of us family, friends, misfits and Winchesters…. don't forget to buy your buddy a beer and flirt with your waitress. Al wouldn't have it any other way. We ask that in lieu of flowers and other things that may wither away, much like the economy, the Detroit Tigers, or our trust in the federal government, we ask that you bring a child's toy for the Backroad's Bar and Grill Toy Drive in honor of our friend. Al would be so happy to know that we paid it forward for the kids.

Albert Winchester

December 13, 1948 - November 29, 2023