Rufus P. Wines

With his family by his side, Rufus Philip Wines, age 86, of Battle Creek, went home to be with our Lord Jesus on April 18, 2016. He was born in Battle Creek on July 26, 1929 to Leonard and Beatrice (Brown) Wines. His wife, the love of his life, Flora May (McLain) Wines passed away on January 21, 2016 after spending the better part of 65 years together. Missing her terribly, he went to rejoin her, his siblings, Peter, Chuck, William, Norman, Louis, Lois & Clifton, and his son-in-law, David Stamper.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa & brother. One of his favorite things to do was spend time with his grandchildren and watch them play. He also loved attending the "Wines Family Reunion" so he could share old stories and see the rest of his family. Rufus was honest, giving & straight-forward, and could tell just by a simple handshake what kind of person you were.

He proudly served his country by fighting in the Korean War in the Second-Infantry Division and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves on September 17, 1956. He was a member of Amvets #24, worked as an ironworker for Ironworkers Local #340, was a champion Gold Gloves boxer, and along with his teammate had won many trophies and trips to Las Vegas for winning pool tournaments. Known around town as "The man with the million dollar smile", he was loved, admired, and respected by many, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Gloria (James) Szakacs, Mary Stamper, and Julie (Robert) Wells; his grandchildren, Richard (Becky) Carver, Heather (Troy) Dietz, Buddy Davis, Aleia (Herb) Wines, Elizabeth Stamper, Joshua (Jenny) Black, Cody & Cheyanne Wells, and Melissa Campbell; his great-grandchildren, Casey (Christina) Carver, Kylie Carver, Daniel & Kayla Ibarra, Tiffany, Breanna & Angelina Rue, Jay Jay & Sofia Wines, Brayden & Isabelle Biggins, Skilar, Harlee & DeeAna Black, Robert III. & Christopher Wells, and Nom'Aria & Christopher II. Barajas, and one great-great grandson, Damien Carver.

Funeral services to celebrate Rufus' life will be 12:00 p.m., Friday, April 29, 2016 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Interment with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, starting at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.