Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Zeb Winter was my Great Grandfather. His son Woodrow F Winters was my grandfather. His correct name was William Zebede Winters. The man that shot him was Charlie Oaks and was tried and convicted for his murder.

Lea Ann Frank-Kloepping
Great granddaughter of Zeb Winters

May 12, 2022

Researching my family history, I came across this memorial to my Great-Great Uncle Zeb! I didn't know this about him and I am very thankful for your adding him to this memorial page. A true hero!! Wish I had known you! You will be remembered in our family for generations to come! So proud to be related to this hero! So sorry the ones responsible for your death were never brought to justice Uncle Zeb! R.I.P. Uncle!

Brenda Arrowood Franklin
Great Great Grand Niece

October 9, 2020

On this 100th anniversary of your untimely departure rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 5, 2020

Chief Winters,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Elk Park. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 5, 2020

I always wondered why I had such a strong urge to be in Law Enforcement. One of his Siblings was my Great-Great Grandfather George Clayton Winters. I just found out that I have just been carrying on a family tradition. I hope he knows that the proud tradition has now carried on for 106 years since his death to, my son, his Great-Great-Great Grand Nephew.

Rest in Peace Sir.

Officer Robert L. Henderson
Memphis Police Department (Tennessee) / Great-Great Grand Nephew

November 1, 2018

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 98th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

How sad that politics of the day interfered with you and your family getting any measure of justice for your murder.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 7, 2010

Constable Winters,
On today, the 97th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Avery County. Your murderers might not have faced justice when they were alive, but hopefully they are now paying for it.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

January 1, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, THIS WRITER IS SORRY THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, N H

December 29, 2007

You are remembered sir

Officer
Maryland

January 3, 2005

Excellent work. Time does not diminish the sacrifices of those that have gone before us. They all need to be remembered and honored for what they have done.

Sgt. T. E. Stanyon
Miami Township Police Department

Hello Zeb:

Well, we finally got you listed on here, the National Police Memorial is next.

I never met you, your birth and untimely death all were long before my parents were even born, but I feel like I know you. Lots of folks here in Avery County talk about you. You and your six brothers must have been rowdy boys, because they named the Town of Seven Devils after you guys and Seven Devils Mountain! *smile* You and your brothers have generated several hundred offspring in NC and Tenn.

Everyone who knows your story and is descended from your family is still so proud of you. Bill, your great nephew and a fellow officer, got your story in the paper and it was printed.

You were the very first lawman in Avery County and the first of seven to lay down their life for their fellow citizen. Even though you didn't have a radio, body armor, a fast patrol car or other officers to back you up, you did your job. Even with no phone, no E911 and no EMS to help you did your sworn duty that day. After nearly a century, we are proud of you and what you stood for. It took backbone of steel to go down Elk River alone to hunt for 2 cold blooded, bush-whacking killers. You died a hero's death.

We are determined to get a law enforcement memorial to you and the six who followed you soon. I hope no more will be added. Ken died yesterday and RL died a month ago. Glenn was murdered in Feb. I hope you all can get together to talk about Avery County as you watch over us.

Thanks! You are not forgotten!

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools, Avery Dist. Sp