Joseph Earl "Big Money" Winters was born February 8, 1956, in Lafayette, LA, to Joseph Alton Winters and Shirley Ann Winters. He was the oldest of three children. The Lord called him home on January 27, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Earl "Big Money" graduated from Washington High School in 1975. He met and married his high school sweetheart, Patsy, on February 27, 1979, and from this union, two children were born.

Upon graduation from High School, Earl became gainfully employed. His first job was with Daigle's Janitorial Service. He later worked for the Coca-Cola Company, driving the forklift for many years. In 1981, Earl gained employment with W. R. Grace, and he was employed there for 25 years as an Operator. Due to health issues, Earl had to take a medical retirement.

In his free time Big Money enjoyed buying and fixing cars and reselling them. He also enjoyed buffing and waxing cars, cutting grass, and making frozen cups. Big Money was the go-to-person for rims, tires, and car accessories.

Big Money will forever be cherished by his loving wife, Pat, of 46 years; his daughter, LaKeisha Winters and son, Joseph Earl Winters, Jr., all of Lake Charles, LA. One sister, Malarie Winters of Lake Charles, LA; Aunts, Margaret (Gil) Simien of Lafayette, LA; Jean (Carmen) Jacobs, also of Lafayette, LA; and Laura Mills of Houston, TX. Mother-in-law who took him as one of her sons, Dorothy Thomas. Brothers-in-law, Reverend Terry (Cindy) Thomas of Houston, TX, Donald (Dora) Thomas of San Antonio, TX, Micheal Thomas of Lake Charles, LA, and Gerald Thomas of Florida. Sister-in-laws, Tressa Leger of Lake Charles, LA, and Troy Fondel Thomas of San Antonio, TX. Five beautiful granddaughters: Kaitlyn Winters, Cali Roberts, Ryleigh Vital, Charlie Lavine, and Camila Williams. Godchildren, Darren Foreman, Tressa Leger, and Isiah Williams. Also cherishing his memory are his special friends, Jasper Talbert, Chris Simien, Ken Thomas, and Mallory Charles, as well as other relatives, family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Shirley Winters; fraternal grandparents, Amelia and Harry Winters; maternal grandparents, Georgiana and Joseph Lewis; his brother, Claude "PNut" Winters, and brother-in-law, Willie Thomas.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 11:00am, and Visitation begins at 9am at Christian Baptist Church located at 202 N. Franklin Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com .