Billy Ray Winkenwerder

  • Billy Ray Winkenwerder
    Billy Ray Winkenwerder

    Billy Ray Winkenwerder, 79, of Shiner, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023.
    A celebration of life will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 14 at the United Dr. Martin Luther Evangelical Church, with Pastor Chris Heinold presiding. 
    He was born on February 13, 1944 to Victor Sr. and Evelyn Zimmerman Winkenwerder.
    Billy Ray graduated from Shiner High School in 1962. After graduation he attended Ranger Junior College where he played football before moving on to Southwest Texas College.
    Billy Ray left school to continue his father’s legacy, running his own bulldozing and brush clearing business, BRW, Inc. for nearly 50 years.  He was one of the hardest working men you would ever meet, working sun up to sun down, often seven days a week.
    On November 27, 1971, Billy Ray married the love of his life, Cynthia Rehak. They were married for 52 wonderful years and blessed with four sons.
    He was an active member of the Shiner community, serving on the Shiner ISD school board for 12 years, volunteering as part of the Shiner Comanche Chain Gang for 24 years, playing for the Shiner Clippers and coaching his sons’ little league teams.
    When Billy Ray wasn’t working, you could find him watching the Oilers or the Longhorns, or his absolute favorite, Western movies.
    He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Rehak Winkenwerder; sons, Eric Winkenwerder (Michelle) and Kyle Winkenwerder (Dawn), all of Shiner, Wyatt Winkenwerder (Jatanna) of El Dorado, AR and Dean Winkenwerder (Gina) of Spring; grandchildren, Ty, Connor, Megan, Colton, Cameron and Camden Winkenwerder and number seven on the way; sister, Betty Heinsohn of Shiner; brother, Dalton (Valerie) Winkenwerder of Shiner; and sister-in-laws, Sandra (Darrin) Foster and Jo Ann Winkenwerder of Shiner; and Linda Rehak of Edna.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Victor Winkenwerder Jr.; in-laws, Alfred and Helen Noack; brothers-in-law, Earl Heinsohn and Robert Rehak; and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Siegel.
    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the United Dr. Martin Luther Evangelical Church or donor’s choice.