Patrick Carey Winters

RALEIGH – Patrick Carey Winters, 52, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020. Patrick was born on November 15th, 1968 in Indianapolis, IN. He was born to James and Diane and was the second youngest of four siblings. Throughout much of his early life he was your typical kid in Indiana, a passion for sports, pranks, and not telling his mother about the pranks. Patrick played many sports and most often recalled in conversations his times playing Football, which was the sport he was most passionate about. Yet, the most iconic story is when he recalled watching the Miracle on Ice, when the young United States hockey team bested the hardened Soviet hockey team in an upset. When telling that story he often still teared up. Along with his passion for sports he carried a passion for history, a passion in which he would work on for twenty years of his life. He did that by teaching the next generation of humanity, using his passion for education and history to make every student that entered his classroom leave with a newfound or enhanced passion to learn of the past, themselves, and the world around them. Teaching was his lifes work and when he was not busy with his son and daughter he was busy with his kids at the desks. Never once did he ever give up on a class, a lesson, or even a single student. I recall whenever he picked me up and we recalled our days, even on the most stressful of days he had there was still a smile in the corners of his mouth when recallings his students; even if he was recalling their inability to stop talking. His teaching didn’t even stop at history. Patrick taught History, English, and even Science; although Math was one subject he would “stay far away from.” He had a genuine love for the feeling of allowing the next generation to open up and expand their knowledge, he loved any time a student would ask a question or when they had a new idea. And of course, he loved his family. He loved his daughter, his son, and his life partner with all of his heart. He never ceased to show it. He held family close and let them know that he loved and thought of them often. He would raise his two children to be individuals with a set of clear and good morals and allowed them to think for themselves and form opinions even if they were dissenting of his own. He was supportive to everything and was proud of what his children were doing, and his children are forever going to be appreciative of what he has done for them in his lifetime. No matter what he gave his all to his family and to his passion for furthering the next generation with his teaching. Many will miss his charming smile, warm embrace, and jovial personality. Patrick Winters will live on in the hearts of his beloved family, coworkers, and students. Patrick was preceded in death by his father, James Gannon Winters, Sr.; and his beloved cousins, Kelly and Erin. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughter, Ashley Boyer of Raleigh; son, Colin Winters of Clayton; life partner, Teresa West and her daughter, Margaret; mother, Diane Winters Burazer of Pineville; sister, Jennifer Cannady and husband, William of Fort Mill, SC; brothers, James Winters, Jr. and wife, Connie of Fort Mill, SC, Paul Winters and wife, Kim of Charlotte; cousin, Kevin Hackett and wife, Deirdre; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful companions, Kaiya, Moose, and the cats. Patrick will lie in repose from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh: 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. Face masks and social distancing are required. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to most any program at his beloved West Cary Middle School: 1000 Evans Rd, Cary, NC 27513. A request had been made in regards to an education fund for his son, Colin Winters. An education fund will be established soon (please check back here later). This fund will be solely for Colin’s higher education as we all know how much Patrick valued education. Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com