C. Wayne Winkle

Charles Wayne Winkle, 77, met his Lord & Saviour on Friday, April 25, 2025.

He was devoted to his wife of 54 years, Vicki Winkle, his two daughters, and six grandchildren.

Vicki survives Wayne; as well as daughters Mandi Gushing (Tim) of Fort Smith, and Megan Matlock (James) of Beaumont, TX; brothers Ron Winkle of Little Rock and Don Winkle of Bryant; sister and brother-in-law Miles and Luann Williams of Eagle Rock, MO; grandchildren Collin Gushing (Megan) of Lowell, AR, Emily Koprek (Matthew) of Medford, MA, Cade Gushing of Fort Smith, Abigail Matlock of Beaumont, TX, Lexie Matlock of Fort Smith, and Jaden Gushing of Fort Smith; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Nannie Winkle; his in-laws, Clayburn and Jessie Bratton; and his sisters-in-law, Jamie Winkle and Marcia Winkle.

Wayne was a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in 1970, the University of Central Arkansas (master’s degree) in 1973, and Texas A&M (doctorate) in 1980. He practiced psychology for 37 years at Western Arkansas Counseling & Guidance Center before retiring in 2016. In retirement, he followed his passion for writing and made it his second career. Ninety-eight of his novels were published, and he became a #1 bestselling author in the Western genre.

Devotion to the Lord led him to serve as a Sunday School teacher at East Side Baptist Church for many years. The members of his Sunday School class are his honorary pallbearers.

An open visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home on Thursday, the first of May, from 5-7 p.m. Celebration of Life will be held at East Side Baptist Church on Friday, the second of May, at 3:30 p.m.