Charles "Charlie" Frederick Winkler, Jr.

Charlie Winkler, Jr., age 72, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, after a short illness.

Charlie was born June 15,1947. He grew up in East York, PA. and started playing guitar at age nine. Charlie graduate class of 1965, of Central High School.  He left Pennsylvania In August of 1965 to attend APSU.

Dr. Schmidt, Music Director, APSU recruited him to join his Music Department. He went on to graduate from Austin Peay State University, in 1969, with a bachelor in Education. He was Music Director for Springfield High School.  As a charter member of Theta Tau (Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia) he received the Orpheus Award and Moore Elementary School (Montgomery CountySchools) he received the “Point of Pride Award”.

He taught all levels of students Clarksville-Montgomery School System and math for Army troops at Fort Campbell, KY. He taught guitar, violin, banjo, mandolin & keyboards at Mary’s, Collins, and Hutchinson & Williams Music stores in Clarksville, TN and Hopkinsville, KY.

Charlie was a bass player for the Nashville Symphony Orchestra during 1970s. He played with nationally known groups such as Allman Brothers and the girls group Shirelles, and offered a job touring with Kenny Rogers. He recorded in Nashville studios for backup music for various artists. He played at night clubs, such as Hank Williams, Jr.’s place in Paris, TN.
Mr. Winkler has played in lead guitar and bass guitar in numerous musical groups and many Tennessee events over the years, including ”Make A Wish Foundation.” His last performance was last fall playing with Dr. Schmidt’s alumni group cerebration, held annually honoring Dr. Schmidt from APSU. Until he went into the hospital recently, he was still playing in local coffee shops and giving private guitar lessons. He had degrees in American and Ancient World history.  And if ever I had a question about history, just a phone call away, I would get answers. 

Surviving family members are his wife, Brenda Ellis Winkler and son Chip, of Clarksville; his mother Betty and sister, Donna of Phoenix, AZ, daughters Anna & Elizabeth of Dallas, TX; and stepdaughters, Jenny French and Melissa Perigo of Clarksville.

He was a very special musical talent and we will surely miss him.  Charlie loved AMERICA, a true patriot and our discussions on politics will be missed.
God bless and Rest In Peace Charlie!

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles "Charlie" Frederick Winkler, Jr., please visit our floral store.