Lew Eric Winters

Lew Eric Winters, 68, of Georgetown, TN, answered his call home on Friday, July 5, 2019.  He was born in Chattanooga, TN, and was a long time resident of McDonald, TN.  He was a member of the 1968 graduating class of Bradley Central High School.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was awarded the Air Medal of Valor for his service in Vietnam.Everyone who knew him, knew of his love for life.  He was an avid water skier who competed nationally, and he loved car racing and competed in drag racing with NHRA until an almost fatal accident.  Because of his love of flying, he earned his fixed wing and helicopter license.  His love of cars led him to starting his own business, Lew Winters Customs, where he built and restored custom cars.He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Woodrow Winters and Ina Fredrick Winters; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul McDaniel and Winona McDaniel.He is survived by his best friend and wife, Wanda; his whole world was his daughter, Casey Shaw, son-in-law, Trevor Shaw; and the lights of his eyes were his granddaughters, Kendall and Kori Shaw.  He is also survived by two brothers, David Winters and wife Maggie of Cleveland, and Aaron Winters and wife Christine of Warrenton, VA; sister, Claudette Gladden and husband Larry; brother-in-law, Dale McDaniel and wife Kim; aunt, Nancy Everett Van; and several nieces and nephews also survive.  We want to recognize some special friends, Alvin and Sheri Mashburn and Terry Mullins.A celebration of his life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2019 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Pastor James Sears and Pastor Gary Sears officiating.   Interment will follow at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Steven Wood, Wayne Renard, Gabe West, David Gladden, Ben Winters, and Matthew McDaniel serving as pallbearers.  Military honors, a white dove release ceremony, and the playing of bagpipes will conclude the service.The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home prior to the service.The family would like to express their appreciation to Tennessee Oncology, Dr. Davey Daniels, Dr. Johanna Bendell, Life Care Center of Cleveland, and Hearth Hospice, for their professional and compassionate care.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Mt. Olive Ministries, Native American Ministry, 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN  37311.We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Winters family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.