William Allen Winkley Jr., known to family and friends as Allen, of Miles City, Montana, passed away at his residence on October 24, 2025. He was the son of William A. Winkley Sr. and Linda Winkley. Allen was born in Greenville, South Carolina on June 5th, 1954, at Donaldson Air Force Base, and grew up in Miles City—a community deeply rooted in his family’s history.
In his younger years, Allen worked ranching and haying on the Gresens Ranch, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the land. Those early experiences shaped his lifelong appreciation for hard work, perseverance, and the simple rewards of a job well done.
Before opening “Allen’s Auto Body” in 1991, he worked various jobs doing body work and being a mechanic at the Ford dealership, Jack’s Body Shop and Jim’s Body Shop. Allen was a talented body and paint man who took great pride in his craft. His steady hands and eye for detail earned him a strong reputation for quality and care. Whether restoring a vehicle to perfection or lending a hand on a friend’s project, Allen approached every task with skill, patience, and genuine dedication.
He would tell you his best work of all was his two boys, Dillon and Derek. They were the light of his life, and he took great pride in their accomplishments, work ethic, and families.
He was known for his wit, his knack for fixing just about anything, and his willingness to help anyone in need. In his free time, Allen enjoyed driving around town with his dogs, going out for ice cream, and visiting with friends and neighbors. He loved being a part of the Miles City community—sharing stories, laughter, and friendships wherever he went.
Allen is survived by his sons, Dillon Winkley and Derek (Anna) Winkley; stepmother Linda Winkley; siblings Cindy (Marvin) Mastel, Mark (Jennifer) Winkley, and Kari (Steve) Johnson; his stepsiblings, Laura (Allen) Wetherelt, Roni Sue (Bob) Adams, and Scott Sotka. He is also remembered by his granddaughters Everliegh Miller, Dallas Winkley, and Tatum Winkley, and his soon-to-be grandson along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, William A. Winkley Sr.; his mother Emily (Rodgers) Olney; his brother Terry Winkley; his half-brothers, Michael West and Kenneth Salmi; and his grandparents, William Francis Winkley and Cecelia Genevieve (Shumsky) Winkley.
Allen will be remembered for his craftmanship, humor, kindness, and his unwavering devotion to family and community. His story is one of the quiet strength, loyalty, and a life well lived.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Allen’s name to the Miles City Animal Shelter, PO Box 1093, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday November 13, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday November 13, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Garth Lee says
Allen was a good friend of mine when going to high school!
In the 70’s
I was from Forsyth but drove to miles city to drag main street & l would always find Allen!
Donna Smith says
Oh Al, gone too soon. We loved you Wink. Love from the Molstad family. xxxooo
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Nora Gamber says
Known Allen since we were kids and we would talk forever whenever we met in the store or gas station. RIP dear friend.
Sorry for your loss and may you find ease in the memories.
Becky Sorlie says
Difficult to say good bye too an ol friend..
U will be missed
Loved our long chats..
Sympathy to his “Boys”
O how he Loved his :Boys:
..
Tracy Axelberg says
So sorry to hear this. Allen was a classmate and friend of mine. Happy Trails, Allen-
Shannon Holmen says
Allen wished me Happy Birthday every year. How sweet of him. He had a kind heart.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear this. Just had a visited with him at clinic . Hugs and prayers for all of his family
Diane Grutkowski says
So very sorry for your loss. Allen was a great person, very talented, and always friendly. I will miss our visits. My heartfelt sympathy to all of Allen’s family.
Starla williams says
Oh my friend im so gonna miss our visits my condolences to the boys n their families and his step mom linda your in my thoughts and prayers im sure gonna miss him he was my friend
Tracee Raymond-Waples says
I can’t believe that I’m seeing this. Allen was a great guy and would help a person out. Allen was extremely talented in working on vehicles and will be dearly missed by all his friends. My condolences to all of Allen’s family. Rip my friend. Hugs to all.
Jeff virag says
Great friend.fixed all my accident cars .even in highschool. Even went to Billings for parts. Great classmate god has received a great mechanic and body.man. Rip Allen
Joe Berg says
I’m so sorry to hear of Allen’s passing. He was a nice kid. I’d appreciate knowing as much as possible about his life.o
Carol Schneider says
Allen was a dear friend of my brother. They hung out in their younger years until he lost his life in 1973. I remained friends with Allen throughout the years. My condolences to his family an especially his boys as he always talked so highly of them and was so proud of them. I will miss him also. Rest in peace old friend.
Dave says
RIP old friend.
Dave Gunderson says
RIP old friend.
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
Our condolences go to Allens family. May he rest in peace. Your in our prayers.
Kim Kelly Peterson says
Very sad to hear about Allen. I have fond memories of him and they always brings a smile. RIP Allen
Jeff virag says
ZSllen was a close friend and classmate
he fixed many of my smashed cars . He even went to Billings to get parts. Eve. In highschool. Sorry he had to live in his shop. Rest in peace. Till we meet again
Xina says
I am sorry to hear this. Allen was a regular at the Short Stop, when I was there. Full of conversation and shot. You will be missed
Marc and Denise Hartse says
Our sincerest condolences to the Winkley family. We knew Allen for many years, he was truly one of a kind. Our sympathies.
Kevin Donnelly says
sorry to hear of your loss. memories go way back to high school. rest in peace my man and God bless.
Dave Hernandez says
Adios mi Hermano. Via con Dios mi Amigo 🙏
Que Dios te bendiga🙏
Willy cain says
Allen work with in my shop ,for a few years ,we had a lot of good times.
Linda Walker says
Condolences to Allens family. He was quite the character. Rest in peace Allen.
Muriel Selk says
Allen was such a generous person. Would give you the shirt off his back. Did such beautiful work on vehicles. Always so nice to see him and hear about his sons whom he adored. VIP
Shorty & Judy Brush says
sending prayers to the Winkley Family May God give each and everyone the strength now and the days to RIP Allen
Michael Carr says
I met Allen when they used to come over to our house and build homecoming floats for sacred Heart High School. He was in my sister Patty Joe’s class. Ever since that time he’s always said hello and talked a little bit. Always friendly to me and always made time to ask me how I was doing. You don’t find people who do this anymore very often. I will miss it. Rest in peace Alan.
Linda Cory koerper says
To Allen’s family, he was a classmate and friend. Enjoyed our visits when we ran into each other in town.
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Sending our sincere condolences to the family.
Dave Willson says
Rest in peace my friend. When we meet again in hope the road is smooth and the ride is shinny.
Michelle Simpson says
Dillon Derek and the Winkley family. We are so sorry for your loss. We send our heartfelt condolences and hold you close and thought in prayer.. We remember when Allen Worked at Jim body shop. He was a very dedicated employee and always a welcome guest at our house.. Rest in peace, Allen I know the reunion in heaven was glorious
Vicki King Carrafa says
Oh Allen you will be so missed. We just had a great visit in the store not too long ago. I will always remember you as friendly caring and funny. Your family has my deepest sympathy. You are at peace now Allen.
Tom and lillian Ostendorf says
Our sincere sympathy to Allen’s family. He has been one of our friends since High School and always stopped to say hi and visit about little whenever we ran into him.
Bruce and Kathy Ziebarth says
Rest in Peace Allen. Condolences to Allen’s family.
Alane Stabler says
So sorry to hear of Allen’s passing. He always had a kind word to say!
Rick Kransky says
I gonna miss you Al ! I’feel fortunate I was able to reconnect with you recently I’m sorry I didn’t make it back before you left this world! My thoughts and prayers go out to Dillon and Derek, Mark, and the rest of the family! Hopefully you’re up there having a beer with Lee and Terry!
Robyn Barthelmess says
I am sad to learn of Allen’s passing. He was so much fun to be around, and was always kind. A really good guy.
Nancy Ugrin-Bond says
I knew Allan when we were in high school and during our early adult years-he was always a great guy, fun and kind to everyone. It’s sad news indeed that he’s departed but I know he’ll be remembered fondly back home in Miles City.
T.Smith says
Gone far too soon. The world is a lesser place with the loss of a good friend. I’ll miss our talks. Rest easy now
Gary Baker says
Allen was a master craftsman. A true friend, and will be missed by everyone who knew him!
Wade Colter says
One of the first 3 people I met when I came to miles city in 1976 was Allen. Al. He was my friend for a long time RIP
Ernest Goff says
Dillon & Linda
Sorry for your loss
Your in my prayers
Take care
Rip Allen
Ernest Goff says
Dillon & Linda
Sorry for your loss
Your in my prayers
Take care
Rip Allen
Patty Washington says
So sorry to hear this. Allen was a classmate (class of 1972) and friend. Always said hello. Will miss seeing him around town. RIP Allen
Fred & Vicky Anderson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We are very sorry to hear of Allen’s passing.
John L. Moore says
So sorry to hear of Allen’s passing. RIP old friend.
Marianne says
I’m so sorry to hear of Allen passing. I knew Al back in the 1980’s. I moved out to Miles City for a short while. He was a very kind and gentle soul. Prayers for his children and family.
Ronna says
‘ You are not alone
for the thoughts and
the love of others
who care are with
you always.’
Allen,
you will always be in my heart!
love Ronna
Donna Smith says
Such a beautiful day for Allen’s farewell. Blue skies are seldom seen anymore and to have one on this date was so special. The love for Allen was all around that day.