Phillip "Rocky" A. Winstead
Philip A. “Rocky” Winstead, 88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a life well lived, full of faith, love, and strength. He was fully restored and now rests in the eternal presence of his Heavenly Father.
Rocky was born in Spring Hope, North Carolina, the beloved son of Alec Winstead and Ruby Mae Wilder Winstead. From a young age, he demonstrated determination and courage, entering the United States Marine Corps at just 17 years old in 1954.
During his distinguished 20-year military career, Rocky served with honor and dedication. He was a respected trainer and coach for the All-Marine Boxing Team while stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Through his leadership, discipline, and encouragement, he helped shape the lives of many young Marines. He was honorably discharged in 1974 at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
Following his military service, Rocky served two years as Boxing Director with Roanoke Parks and Recreation.
In 1976, he began his second career with the Virginia Department of Corrections as a recreation supervisor. Through dedication and leadership, he later became the state’s Boxing Director and ultimately retired as Recreation Director. During these years, he made his home in Rocky Mount, Virginia.
After retirement, he returned to North Carolina, settling in Zebulon, where he devoted himself to his lifelong passion for golf. He enjoyed teaching others the game and became well known in the community for his “Golf Bus,” which he later expanded beyond Raleigh to PGA events across the state.
Later he moved to Bailey, NC and continued his life long passion for mentoring youth and promoting discipline through athletics. He had a summer golf camp for over 13 years in the area. He invested his time, wisdom, and heart into the next generation.
Later in life, Rocky moved to the Roanoke area to be closer to his son and grandchildren. More than anything, he found joy in sharing his love of golf, especially with young people. His life was a testament to perseverance, discipline, and the blessings that come from following one’s calling.
Rocky will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and servant’s heart. He was a man of integrity who lived with purpose and encouraged others. His legacy of strength, kindness, and devotion to God will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.
He is now reunited in Heaven with those who went before him and leaves behind a family who will cherish his memory and the many lessons he shared.
Rocky was preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Martha Lee Winstead; sister, Katrina Winstead jones; brother, James Ermon Winstead; daughter, Patricia Diane Winstead; and son, Mark Allen Winstead.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Tony Winstead and wife Cindy; grandchildren, Kayla Torre and husband Joshua, Hannah Winstead, and Madison Winstead; great grandson, Joel Thomas Torre; sister-in-law, Lucille Winstead; foster sister, Brenda Brewer Gattis; and many nieces and nephews which included Daniel Reynolds whom he had a special relationship with.
The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 1:00 until 2:00 pm. A celebration of life service will follow in the chapel of Lotz Funeral Home at 2:00 pm.
Because of his travels, his church affiliation were numerous. He spent his last years with Restoration Church in Salem, Virginia.
A special thanks to Kristen Wright and Bonnie Montgomery with Davis & McDaniel Veteran Care Center; caregiver, Elaine Gansauer; and the Salem Restoration Church Family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Young Life at https://giving.younglife.org/salem.
