Longtime Texas banker Joe Don Winniford passed away on September 15. As his obituary states, he was “renowned for his passion for people, charm and humility…an energetic and friendly soul [whose] life was filled with experiences and adventure.”
Winniford served in the U.S. Navy for four years, then earned his BBA degree from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University–Commerce) before launching his banking career in 1963 as a bookkeeper at Citizens National Bank in Greenville. He worked his way up at the bank, holding a number of positions and eventually named president and CEO. He served as a community banker in Greenville for 57 years, focused on the customer experience. His desire was to know his customers on a personal basis so that he could better understand their needs and be able to help provide meaningful solutions. According to his obituary, “He was a ‘people’ guy—he loved people and they loved him back.”
Winniford spent the final 18 years of his career with American National Bank of Texas as a business development officer. He joined the bank in 2002 and retired at the end of 2020. He was recognized in August 2021 by the Texas Bankers Foundation for service and dedication to the Texas banking industry spanning more than half a century. He was in attendance to receive this award for such a remarkable achievement.
Passionate about his alma mater, Winniford served as an ambassador to Texas A&M University–Commerce. In addition to his BBA degree, he later graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Active in his community, he served as chairman of the budget and finance committee for Highland Terrace Baptist Church and president of the Greenville Lions Club, as well as president and director of numerous additional local boards throughout his years of service to the Greenville and the Hunt County area.
Winniford is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Helen Winniford, a daughter and son and their spouses, along with eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
