Losing a hero
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on January 1, 2015 1:46 PM
Wayne County lost its top lawman Jan. 24, when Sheriff Carey Winders, who was the first Republican to hold the office in more than a century, died suddenly of a heart attack.
He was 57.
Winders suffered a heart attack in the morning at his home and died at Wayne Memorial Hospital shortly afterward. At the hospital, law enforcement officers gathered quietly outside the waiting room. Some shed tears.
And so, too, did the community who knew and loved the affable and jovial sheriff with a heart of gold.
Winders, a native of Pikeville, was serving his fifth term in office. He was first elected sheriff in 1994 and was re-elected every four years thereafter.
At his funeral, which was held at Kornegay Arena on the campus of the University of Mount Olive, Winders was remembered as not only a good lawman but as a compassionate family man and friend to many.
His body lay in state at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home, and he was buried in Wayne Memorial Park, with an honor guard and Masonic rites. The funeral was attended by more than 1,000 people, including dozens of law enforcement officers and dignitaries, including Gov. Pat McCrory.
Dr. Richard Glosson, who spoke at the funeral service, said Winders will not be forgotten.
"His legacy will live on forever. His name will always be a part of Wayne County. The shoes that have to be filled, those boots are big shoes. And that hat he wore won't just fit anybody," Glosson said.
Winders was the son of the late Aaron and Ernestine Winders and a graduate of Charles B. Aycock High School and Wayne Community College.
He started his law enforcement career in 1984 with the Goldsboro Police Department and was eventually made a detective before turning to politics and deciding to run for the office of sheriff.
Winders is survived by his wife, Teresa, three daughters and two grandchildren.