William H. Winans

William H. (“Bill”) Winans, Sr., 103, formerly of Randall Avenue, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Norwich.

Born November 5, 1912, in Oneonta, Bill was the son of Earle H. and Abbie (Wade) Winans. The family moved to Canajoharie, NY, in 1925 and Bill completed his schooling there. He immediately joined his father in the operation of his clothing store. In 1935, the business moved to Catskill, NY, and Bill worked there until 1942. He then went to work in the sales department of the Beech Nut Packing Co. in Canajoharie. In 1949, Bill’s father became interested in opening a men’s clothing store in Norwich. On November 5, 1949, Bill's 37th birthday, he and his brother, Ken, opened a store in Norwich, the Winans Men’s Shop, on South Broad Street. Bill’s son, William, Jr., joined them in 1974. The store was a very active part of the Norwich community until 1988 when the business ceased operation.

On June 25, 1940, in Lake Placid, NY, Bill married Anne Gladd. Anne passed away on July 24, 1997. He is survived by his grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Bumpy.” They include Melinda (Edward) Spiegel, Natalie Winans (Jamie Slater), Joel Winans (Katt Cassata) and Liza (Larry) VonHoltz, Jr. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Miles, Cole, Samuel, Trey, Sydney and Madison; siblings Lewis Winans and Gladys Leopitzi; and daughter-in-law, Kathleen Winans. Bill was predeceased by his son, William Winans, Jr. and siblings, Robert, Kenneth, Donald, Charlotte, and Doris.

Throughout his business career, Bill was an active member and officer of the Norwich Merchants Association. He was a life member of the Norwich Elks Lodge as well as a member of the former Norwich Kiwanis Club. Bill was also an avid golfer and holds the record at the Canasawacta Country Club as the oldest person to shoot a hole-in-one, which he accomplished at the age of 89.

Funeral services for Bill will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2015, at the Wilson Funeral Home where Rev. Nancy Hale, pastor, Broad Street United Methodist Church, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.