COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -After 53 years of service at Texas A&M University, Grady Winkler is retiring, leaving behind a legacy marked by dedication and a wide range of contributions.
Winkler, who started in 1971 as an electrician’s helper, has held various roles, including construction inspector and HazMat coordinator. His career highlights include working on significant projects like the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum and responding to the 1999 Bonfire collapse. Winkler says when he began longevity was on his mind but discovered early on that he found his home at Texas A&M.
“I really wasn’t looking that far forward in my future at that time. But once I was here for, after several months, then I knew that I’d found a home. So I had no intention of going anywhere else after that,’ said Winkler.
Winkler’s background as a U.S. Navy Fire Control Technician during the Vietnam War influenced his thorough approach to his work at Texas A&M. Known for his skills as a master electrician and his attention to safety, he has been instrumental in projects involving asbestos removal and compliance with safety codes.
“I feel like I tried my best to earn the money that they paid me, and that’s about it. I just did my best,” said Winkler. “Our latest one that I’m happiest with was the exterior renovation of the Jack K. Williams building. Jack K. Williams was the president when I came to work here, and that building is named after him. And it’s probably one of the classiest old buildings on campus.”
Living in rural Bryan, Winkler enjoys hobbies such as carpentry, shooting, and fishing. He is married to Wendy and has a large family, including four children, 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
“I guess I’ll just be staying home [now] and working around the house as much as I can, taking care of some last-minute details. And we’re going to do a little bit of traveling here and there.”
“He loves to play poker. He’s fun, he fishes. So we’re going to do some of that, and we’re going to go around and gamble somewhere, do a little traveling and stuff, and then go see grandkids and great-grandkids,” Wendy added.
Winklers family and colleagues describe him as dedicated and proactive, appreciating his commitment to the university.
“I think he’s been honest and straightforward. It’s hard to find people like that, you know, don’t cut corners. He doesn’t do that, so that’s impressive. I know everything he touched or had work in is going to stand for a long time, you know, because he built it right or made it get built right, for that matter,’ Wendy added.
Jeff Heye, Winkler’s supervisor, praised his dedication to safety and the thoroughness of his work. Though Winkler attempted to retire in 2001, he returned after a year, finding it difficult to leave a job he loved. Now, as he steps into retirement, Winkler plans to spend time with his family and pursue his hobbies.
“We’re certainly going to miss Grady. He’s been a fixture out here for many, many decades. He’s someone you can always talk to and coordinate with. He’s been a great resource for us in a lot of different areas, especially with the asbestos program,” said Heye. “It’s been great getting to know Grady and working with Grady over the years. He’s been a great employee for SSC and Texas A&M University for almost 53 years, and he’s done a great job for the university over those years.”
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