At 90, Carl Winton keeps on trucking
rebekah.yancey @hartselleenquirer.com
At 90 years young, Carl Winton is not ready to slow down. The army veteran and family man can still be found driving his wrecker around Hartselle, helping stranded motorists on the side of the road as if he were half his age.
For half a century, Winton has dedicated his life to the wrecker service, becoming a beloved fixture in the Hartselle community. He has owned multiple wrecker and towing businesses through the years. Currently, the family owns and operates AA Wrecker Service in Hartselle. What first started as a job quickly became a lifelong passion.
“People often ask me when I’ll retire,” Winton said with a chuckle. “I tell them I’ll retire when I can’t climb into the truck anymore.” That day seems far off. Carl’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious. He maneuvers his tow truck with the ease and precision of a seasoned pro, responding to calls at all hours, in all weather. His service is as reliable as ever.
Winton has seen it all. From breakdowns in the middle of nowhere to latenight rescues in winter weather and he said each call is a chance to help someone.
Winton said he loves to help people out of tough situations and enjoys seeing the relief on someone’s face when he arrives to a situation where he can help.
Winton’s family marvels at his resilience and commitment. His daughter, Karla Gibson, often accompanies him on calls, though she admits she can hardly keep up.
“Dad’s got more energy than most people half his age,” Karla said. “He loves what he does, and I think that’s the secret to his vitality.” “Carl is one in a million,” his son-in-law, Russ Gibson, added.
Lt. Daniel Parker with the Hartselle Police Department said Winton is a regular on the scene of accidents in Hartselle.
“I’ve never seen him on a scene he couldn’t control,” Parker said. “He can work circles around some of these guys he clears the road in a timely manner and is great overall at his job.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to call him if I needed him.” His family recently held a 90th birthday and family reunion in his honor. Winton, the oldest of nine children, celebrated with more than 70 family members.
Leaving school in the eighth grade to help provide for his family, Winton has served in the military, owned multiple businesses and traveled the world.
In the U.S. Army, Winton served in Germany and Antartica. He helped the team work on the fuel expansion of the Blackbird SR 71 aircraft.
His favorite job? Driving his wrecker around Hartselle.
“I plan to keep doing this as long as I can,” Winton said, eyes twinkling. “It’s not just a job to me; it’s a part of who I am.” “I enjoy my life, I really do,” Winton said. “If life gets any better at 100 than it is at 90, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand it.”
