Urbian Curtis Winslow

A dedicated public servant, PROUD Marine veteran and passionate enthusiast of history and heritage, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, in Gastonia North Carolina. He was 89 years old. His years of service in the United States Marine Corps reflected his enduring commitment to helping others and his steadfast sense of duty.

Born in the backwoods of Bethel Maine, second eldest of six children. Spent his early years hunting, fishing, ice-skating. He grew up with little material possessions but humble and rich in love!

Over the years Buck has contributed much to the world around him. He has given the shirt off his back, and blood from his veins. As an O+ universal blood donor, he contributed at last count …52 gallons of blood over the years.

He has volunteered himself in many ways; volunteering at the pioneer museum in Dade City Florida where he loved to teach people about pioneer days, growing a farm, and living off the land. He served as a civil war reenactor, educating those that were interested in learning about civil war history, the various battles, the meaning of our flags, and the meaning of our freedoms that we cherish today.

He became a pastor/preacher at North Side Bible Institute and began spreading the gospel in many ways. He worked in churches as interim pastor, served as a music director, and Deacon. He carried out many “visitations” to share the word of Christ to anyone that would listen. He served with the “Gideon” group, passing out Gideon bibles wherever they would be received. He has been active with Toastmaster, he assisted in scouting, worked with the high school ROTC rifle team, volunteer fire department, and has ALWAYS been submerged in politics.

At one point of his political career he became a county chairman, he served on the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, and he represented as the Vice President of the original - Family Motor Coaching Association - long before the Partridge Family was popular!

He has always served with a group or committee to make our community clean by adopting roadsides for trash pickup. Buck has also been part of, and assisted with, the USO. He was the post commander of VFW and served as the Chaplin in the Marine Corp League in Zephyrhills Florida.

He recreates Moses - and shares biblical truths by reenacting the life and times of Moses. He is involved with the toys for tots program - which includes gathering, sorting and then delivering toys to many needy families.

He is a member of the bearded group of Santas! As Santa, Buck transforms himself to spread tidings of joy and goodwill to many children and their families over the holidays. He has willingly been “auctioned off” as Santa to support charitable groups making a positive impact in our community.

He was married 60 years and was preceded in death by his wife MaryAnn Winslow, his mother Arlene Gunther, his father Urbian Archambault his sisters - Arlene, Lucy, Alfreda, and brother Alfred T.

He is survived by his 3 daughters - JoAnn Wilson and her husband Otis, Judy Hoffman, and Janet Kelchner and her husband Tom.

He leaves behind 8 grandchildren - David Parish, Sarah Wheatly, Heather Velarde, Rachel Mullen, Stephen Hoffman, Jamie Kelchner Bozarth, Samantha Kelchner, and Cole Kelchner. He also leaves behind 9 great grandchildren - Bryce Parish, Logan Wheatley, Olivia Wheatley, Scarlett Wheatley, Ella Mullen, Zi Mullen, Julian Hoffman, Lucas Hoffman, and Oakleigh Villagomez. He also leaves behind his sister Lorraine Parsons.

The best adjective to describe Buck would be dependability - when given a mission … it will be completed! He has now gone on to our Heavenly Father to complete his next mission. Rest in Peace.