Gerald Lee (Buddy) Winn
March 3, 1941 ~ November 6, 2021
Born in:
Marquez, Texas
Resided in:
Bryan (Brazos County), Texas
Gerald L. “Buddy” Winn of Marquez, Texas, passed away on November 6, 2021 cowboying at his home in Bryan, Texas. A casual, come-and-go Country Farewell will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 10:00 am – Noon at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Activity Center (PAC) located at 600 E 26th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803. This Celebration of Life encourages lots of love, laughter and dry eyes. Please dress comfortably in jeans, boots, or shorts as you please. The family hopes that you will come with joyful memories and no sadness.
Buddy Winn was born in Marquez, Texas on March 3, 1941 to A.J. Winn and Esther Winn Wigley. Buddy was a dedicated public servant for most of his life. He was 19 years old when he began working for the Brazos County Tax Office. In 1977, he was appointed as Brazos County Tax Assessor Collector and Voter Registrar and was appointed Chief Appraiser for Brazos County Appraisal District in 1981 where he served both positions concurrently. He was successfully re-elected as the Brazos County Tax Assessor Collector and Voter Registrar for the next 30 years. During his time in office, he was very active in the State Legislature. He served on several key committees over the years, as appointed by various governors of the state of Texas. He testified many times before the State Legislature to improve legislation on major items such as the election code, property tax code, and the transportation code. Being a voice for the citizens of Brazos County was of paramount importance to him. When Buddy decided to run for the District 14 State Representative position in 2011, he was quoted saying, “I do not have a personal agenda other than being able to serve the citizens of Brazos County.” He retired from public service on July 31, 2007, turning his attention to his cattle operation. By then he was running approximately 700 head of cows. He was very proud of the fact that he started his herd the poor boy way by holding back heifers every year to grow his herd. He was as well-known in the ranching industry in Texas as he was a public servant. He had thousands of acres of land under lease to run his cattle operation and was spread over the span of four counties. Buddy’s wife and children and his father were his hired hands. He seemed to have an affinity for any cow or bull that could successfully jump out of a pen while being worked. Buddy also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He always had a hot pot of coffee and sweet treats waiting for anyone who stopped by. He loved making buttery breakfasts for his beloved dogs, family, or friends over for a visit. He loved recounting stories from his childhood and early years with a natural story-telling ability he got from his father. Buddy’s favorite pastime was searching for trucks or property to buy online and listening to bluegrass and steel guitar instrumentals.
Buddy is preceded in death by his father, A.J. Winn, his mother, Esther Winn Wigley, his brothers Joe Winn and Dwayne Winn, a grandson, Matthew Winn, and a son-in-law, Jimmy Henson.
Buddy is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sheri Winn, his children, Jerry Winn and wife Nancy, Cullyn Winn and wife Kimberly, Stephanie Winn Henson, Logan Winn, Randi Toumbs and Mandi Toumbs, his grandchildren, Cole Winn, Anica Winn, Trey Winn, Travis Psencik, Rylee Psencik, Avery Psencik, and his great grandchildren, Allie Winn, Gabriel Winn, and Kason Winn as well as numerous extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brazos Food Bank and the Twin City Mission Bridge, or a charity of your choosing.
Services
Visitation: November 11, 2021 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Room: PARISH ACTIVITY CENTER (PAC)
St. Joseph Catholic Church
507 East 26th Street
Bryan, TX 77803
(979) 822-2721
https://www.stjosephbcs.org
Long time friend from the 70’s. Just had lunch with him several weeks ago and spoke of old times together and his place in Colorado. You will be missed old friend. Thoughts and prayers, Sherrie and family.
I worked for Buddy for many years. He was always a kind man. When my husband was so sick he always was there to help me. He will be missed, there is not another man like him that I have ever meet. I am so sorry for your loss Sheri and girls
Peggy Hardy
Buddy and I were within a month of each other in age and first met around 1970 when we were both working for the Texas Department of Public Safety. We developed a fast friendship that was almost akin to being brothers. We both moved into parallel careers in tax administration with Buddy becoming tax assessor/collector and chief appraiser in Brazos County and me the chief appraiser in Harris County. We likewise both were involved in ranching and I long ago lost track of the perhaps thousands of times we shared information over the years about both subjects and the many times we traveled together for legislative hearings and to conduct educational sessions throughout Texas about changes in the law.
Buddy was the thought leader behind many taxpayer friendly reforms in property taxation including expanded exemptions, reform of the vehicle inventory tax, and most importantly changes to truth-in-taxation to make the public more aware of the impact of tax rates set by governing bodies of the various jurisdictions. Recent changes to Texas law limiting growth in tax rates set by counties, cities and school districts incorporate many of the ideas he championed.
I am proud to have had Buddy Winn as my professional colleague and closest of friends for the last 60 years and of his efforts to make local government and property taxation more accountable to the people of Texas. He has fought the good fight and we are all the better for it. Rest well my brother.
P.S. He even forgave me for the bull I sold him tearing up his pen! 🙂
Mandi,
Words are not enough during this time. Although I have never met him, I know your dad was proud of his daughter. Your Goodson family is here for you no matter what.
R.I.P. My husband and I met Mr Winn when we purchased a trailer from him. He was so nice and was always helpful. May he tend to his cattle in Gods world now.
Sherry, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Buddy was a good person. I don’t know if you remember me but we were best friends in school. I would love to hear from you and maybe even meet you I haven’t seen you in so many years……
Our hearts are broken for you ALL!! Buddy enriched all life’s around him… he was slow with anger & quick w a joke!! GOOD OLE COWBOY… may he REST in PEACE!! Give ole’ Bo Burkhalter & LA Ford JR. Our L♥️VE Buddy—
we LoVE y’all- in our ALWAYS
♥️, Trey & Stephanie