Winford Mcwilliam Gover

Winford McWilliam Gover, age 76, passed away on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Longwood, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Win was born on June 13, 1942 in Covington, Kentucky.

He is survived by wife, Evelyn Janell Gover; son, Michael Winford Gover; son, Bradley McWilliam Gover; daughter, Alisha Beth Gover; grandson, Avery John Gover; granddaughter, Autumn Marie Gover; grandson, Carson Isaiah Gover; grandson, Gavin Douglas Moses; granddaughter, Amber Kaya Gover; granddaughter, Alexis Dahlia Gover; granddaughter, Gabrielle Ann Marie Moses; great-granddaughter, Emmelia Ann Moses; and great-granddaughter, Rayleigh Carol Moses.

Winford graduated from Lloyd Memorial High School in 1960. As the schools unofficial secretary, he stayed in touch with many of his classmates throughout his lifetime, some of those from grade school, and nurtured those unbreakable bonds that spanned 70 years. His sense of humor was something everyone who knew him enjoyed and he could turn any crowd into laughter.

After high school, he went into the restaurant business and held several positions in management throughout the tri-state area. Additionally, he worked throughout the Cincinnati, Ohio region as a truck driver and also as a machine tool salesman. Win always had a passion for helping people and counseling those in need and was drawn to an opportunity to work for the Commonwealth of Kentucky where he worked for the remainder of his career in an official capacity. Winford retired from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Motor Vehicles – Drivers licenses, serving as a Hearing Officer helping those in need with their driving records. Win would take the time to assess and counsel both the person and the issue. He enjoyed retirement for more than a decade.

As the quintessential family man, Win loved to support his extended family and spent many early foggy and chilly mornings at the side of a soccer field, baseball field, football field, track meet, swim meet, Karate tournament, volleyball game or dance recital, and sometimes all eight in a single day. He was most proud of his accomplished and talented grandchildren; the attendees of the events were sure to know who his grandchildren were by the ominous roar of his cheers and support. During his own kids sporting events, Win even entertained the role of Mascot, dressing up in a full-bodied lion suit with headdress during the heat of the summer. Win most enjoyed the family vacations and road trips to coastal Florida, Myrtle Beach, and Gatlinburg to name just a few. Win enjoyed God's creation whether in the mountains, plains, beaches or forests of America.

Before retirement, Win actively served his church and community throughout the week, and into the weekends. His leadership duties included service as Church Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Choir Director, and mentor at Southside Baptist Church in Covington, Kentucky.

After retirement, Winford was drawn to warmer seasonal weather and moved to Miami, Florida. During this retirement period, Win never stopped his service to the communities most fragile and neglected segments of society. As a servant of Christ, Win passionately served the homeless and worked hand-in-hand with migrant children from Cuba and South America, at-risk children in state run reform homes and jails, children from displaced and homeless families, and children from Miami's most violent and neglected communities such as 'Little Haiti.' Specific organizations Win served and regularly volunteered at include "Touching Miami with Love" in Miami, Florida and "Open House" ministries in Homestead, Florida. Win continued his Chris centered service at Riverside Baptist Church in Kendall, Florida as Sunday School director and choir member. In the evenings he went back to college to become a church counselor and earned the honor as "Stephen minister" which required certified and professional designations and training.

Whether working or retired, traveling or stationary, or anywhere within the United States, Win found and promoted Gideon's International. His brotherhood in the "Gideon's" was something he wore as a badge of honor and served with all his heart. Win was always quick to visit those in need in the hospital on official assignment from the Gideon's and could be found many a night, late at night, praying with the sick and infirmed.

Win last served at "Seven Hills Church" in Florence, Kentucky where he enjoyed doing his favorite hobby: meeting and greeting new people and making new friends. He never knew a stranger because he'd make it his mission to root out those who'd try to pass by unnoticed and would open a conversation with someone too shy. Win loved to demonstrate and openly show the love of Jesus.

Winford's last days, his very last moments, were much like the reading of this page. He was surrounded by his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he loved on them and nurtured them, he prayed over them, he made them laugh at his goofy bedside manners, and family he mentored each of his grandkids in their individual futures. Win made sure to promote and share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with every wait staff, nurse, doctor or agent of the hospital up to the moment he was called into the heavens. He now resides with the Saints in Glory, Amen.

Sincerely, the Gover Family

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Seven Hills Church, 6800 Hazel Court, Florence, Kentucky.