The Watauga Community lost an icon this morning with the death of William Ralph Winkler Jr., found dead behind his home.  Boone Police, Fire, and Watauga Medics were called to Winklers Creek Road where the body was found in the waters of Winklers Creek near the bridge. Family said that a caretaker arrived shortly before 7:30 this morning and could not find Mr. Winkler and called family members.  While doing so, she spotted Mr. Winkler in the creek, and the call went in to 9-1-1. Family said it appeared he might have been attending to pets when he fell into the creek.  William Ralph Winkler Jr. had been celebrated over the past several years for his over half century in the business, and was still employed with Boone Ford/Lincoln.