Arthur Ray Winters—known as Art to his friends but to those who loved him most, he was dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, or big Papa—passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the age of 90 in his hometown of Fortuna, California.

Born April 2, 1935, in Waldron, Arkansas, Art moved to California during the Great Depression and spent his early years in the Reedley area. He moved to northern California at 18 and lived in and around Humboldt County for most of the next 70 years.

He attended Reedley High School and then Glad Tidings Bible School, laying the foundation for a life deeply rooted in faith. Art’s spiritual journey began early in life, and he spent the past 50 years serving faithfully at church, teaching adult Bible classes, serving on boards, and organizing men’s breakfasts. He was a member of Fortuna Church of the Nazarene for the past 10 years, where he attended with a large part of his family. He had a deep love for music, his rich singing voice was a familiar part of worship services, and at home, he often played his guitar or harmonica hoping for anyone willing to join in. 

A truck driver for over 70 years hauling logs, lumber and freight, in the 1990s Art owned and operated Art Winters Trucking. He was also an excellent mechanic. Art was always willing to try something new. In the mid 70s he owned the Circle K market in Crescent City and decided to learn how to fly airplanes. He took flying lessons and had two solo flights. In 1977 we moved to North Carolina to work at PTL television network. He had a blast running up and down the East coast for a few years hauling remote studios, Bibles, and other freight. In retirement, he enjoyed working on his 1968 VW Bug, working in the garage with the Bible on CD playing in the background.

In April, we all celebrated his 90th birthday, surrounded by family and friends who were the heart of his life. Known for his unwavering faith, sharp wit, and deep love for his family, Art had a special bond with his kids and grandkids. One of his grandsons wrote this about him, “My grandpa was one of the most influential people in my life. He was blue collar through and through. He was sharp, liked to growl a lot, full of advice, had a tool for everything, and always had a treat to give. Whether I was holding the flashlight for him, joyriding in the old pinto in the backyard, or playing him in chess, the feedback and the conversation was always positive. He was there to celebrate my milestones and remind me how proud he was. I’m sad my girls won’t grow up with Big Papa but I’m extremely grateful for the time we did have. We love you dearly.”

His special instructions to the kids were important to remember: “You need a Maglite” (light and weapon); “Check the oil”; “All when you get there”; “You have to work every day”; “Be generous”; and, “Choose Jesus.” And of course, “Stay and eat with us!”

Arthur is survived by the love of his life, wife of 52 years, Savannah Earlene Winters and nine of his 11 kids. Melody Wilcox (Ron), Kevin Winters (Rhonda), Joel Winters (Crystal), Rusty Davis, Susan Rios (Ruben), Julia Harrison, Sara Burroughs (Steven), Jordan Winters (Kelly), and Justin Winters (Renee). His legacy lives on through five generations, including 136 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Frankie Winters; His brother Roy Winters, and his children, Robin Winters and Vicki Howlett; one great-grandchild, Nathaniel Evanow; and son-in-law, Jon Harrison and Doug Hinson.

A private graveside service will be held at Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna. And a public Celebration of Life on July 11 at 3 p.m. at the Fortuna Church of the Nazarene. Stay and eat with us. 

Flowers may be sent to Goble’s Mortuary in Fortuna or the Fortuna Church of the Nazarene 1355 Ross Hill Rd. Fortuna, CA 

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Arthur Winters’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.