From The Tribune staff reports
SPRINGVILLE — A retired Springville High School principal passed away after a two-year battle with a rare sarcoma.
Virgil Winslett died on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. Winslett retired from education in September of this year. He was an educator for 25 years and was principal of Springville High School from 2014 to 2020.
St. Clair County Superintendent Mike Howard said although the loss is great, it is comforting to know Winslett is no longer in pain.
“He was a fine person, an incredible administrator and had a great impact on the students and staff of Springville,” Howard said. “He will be forever missed.”
The Springville community rallied around Winslett during his cancer battle, holding fundraisers and honoring Winslett on several occasions. An Inspiration Garden at the school is also named after Winslett.
His wife, Kathryn Sprayberry Winslett, posted on Facebook that even in his last hours, Winslett fought for his life. She thanked the community for support and prayers and said she will be setting up a scholarship fund in his memory.
The funeral for Winslett will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 at Crosspoint Church. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m.
Becky Carpenetti-Seymour posted on Facebook: I have had 4 male TEACHERS in my life … not coaches but teachers. Coaches get an opportunity to build relationships with their athletes that is centered around a common focus and love. But to develop that relationship with a student that may not “love” what you are teaching them is extremely difficult. This man made me LOVE every second of his class! His passion for teaching was exciting and sometimes overwhelming. He LOVED what he did and we KNEW he loved all of us! He was my first male teacher and he definitely set the standards for many years thereafter! To all the male teachers out there – you are IMPORTANT!! Your value is in what you do from 7:30-3:15, not just from 3:15-???. The world lost an amazing educator today! He has been an inspiration to me for over 25 years! Thank you God for healing this man! I know he is walking with You right now!
