Jack Keithel "J.K." Winstead, 85, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 with family by his side.

J.K. was born on November 19, 1940 to Joseph Kade and Lydia Mae Anderson Winstead and grew up in the Cato community between Simpson and Rankin Counties. "The Old Place," J.K.'s family homestead, was a place of many happy memories for him and remains a gathering spot for family holidays and visits to this day.

After graduating from Mendenhall High School, he served in the Air National Guard and spent the majority of his career with National Industries in Jackson.

J.K. and his wife Linda celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on September 26th. Together, they had two children and made their home in the Poplar Springs community of Mendenhall.

J.K. was a handy guy, and came to enjoy wood and metal working during his retirement years.

His granddaughters were his pride and joy and the three great-grandchildren he gained over the last 2 years were a source of great happiness for him.

J.K. demonstrated his faith as an active member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and went above and beyond in supporting local businesses by eating out in local restaurants as often as possible!

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Billie Winstead Chapman, Albert Ross Winstead, and Virginia Winstead Smith, brothers-in-law: Billy Ray Brown and Robert Smith and sisters-in-law Mary Frances Winstead and Mary Winstead.

J.K. is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda Padgett Winstead, a daughter, Angie Winstead Prather (Vic) of Ellisville, and a son, Shey Winstead (Allison) of Mendenhall.

He is also survived by a brother, Philip Winstead, and a sister, Jean Winstead Brown, 4 granddaughters - Logan Boe (Jared), Bayleigh Prather, Gabi Prather Johnson (Matthew), and Reagan Ishee, 3 great-grandchildren - Harry and Rosie Boe and Penny Sue Johnson, as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Mendenhall from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. with services immediately to follow. Interment will be at Poplar Springs Church Cemetery.