MAJ (Ret.) Christopher Sean "Chris" Van Winkle

MAJ (Ret.) Christopher Sean “Chris” Van Winkle, 52, of Lillington, passed away unexpectedly on Monday January 24, 2022.

He was born July 20, 1969, in New York to Evelyn Slaydon Van Winkle and Max Van Winkle. Chris was preceded in death by his father, Max; his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Jule Van Winkle, and his maternal grandparents, William and Elfriede Slaydon.

Chris served his country honorably in the United States Army, most of his 24 years at Fort Bragg, in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a Physician Assistant who loved caring for his fellow soldiers and their families, and to train his medics. Upon retirement he served as a civilian PA at Fort Bragg’s Joel and Clark Clinics.

A strong Christian, Chris was a faithful member of Fort Bragg’s All American Chapel, singing in the Praise team, alongside his daughter who plays violin on the team. He also loved to volunteer with the Boy Scouts in his son’s troop, and practiced Taekwondo with his son.  

He is survived by his wife, Ayumi Van Winkle; his twin children, Rachel and Reagan; his mother, Evelyn Manuszewski and stepfather Richard Manuszewski; his brothers, Scott and Craig; his sister, Heather, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday February 5 at 2PM at the All-American Chapel, 7242 Ardennes Street Fort Bragg, NC 28307.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or to Samaritan’s Purse at P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607.

In accordance with current North Carolina COVID-19 guidelines, the funeral home requests that everyone in attendance practice social distancing and wear a face covering.   

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