In Memory of

John

Leonard

Burkhead

Sr.

Obituary for John Leonard Burkhead Sr.

John Leonard Burkhead, Sr. was born in Clay County, Alabama to D.W. and Cora Clark Burkhead on March 26, 1936. He was raised in Ashland, Alabama and attended school there. He and his family moved to Jay, Florida after he graduated Clay County High School in 1955. Later he met and married his wife of 60 years, EuVaughn Thomley Burkhead.
John was a people person and enjoyed the many friends who came to visit during his long stay in Jay Hospital. He had to endure many unpleasant things throughout his illness, but he was always in good spirits. A special thanks to Dr. Michael Smith, his staff, and Jay Hospital staff for the excellent care given to him during this difficult time.
He was an active member of Century Church of Christ in Century, Florida. Until his health could permit him no longer, he participated in all church activities.
John and his father-in-law went into business together in February of 1957. The business was named Clayton Oil Co. and later became John L. Burkhead, Inc. He enjoyed the challenge of the business world and the relationship he had with his many customers through the years. He will be remembered and greatly missed by family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, D.W and Cora Burkhead; five brothers: Dee, Jr., Tom, Bill, Jim Bob, and Buddy; three sisters: Glenda Burkhead, Oleta Hodnett, and Ramona Lee; four nephews: Wayne, Franklin and Warren Burkhead, and Mike Hodnett; and one niece, Jeanna Jerkins Moore.
He was survived by a loving wife, EuVaughn Thomley Burkhead and a loving son, John “Johnny” Leonard Burkhead, Jr. (Amy); one granddaughter, Samantha Leigh Burkhead Diamond (Tracy); one step granddaughter, Mia Granberry; one step great granddaughter, Bethany Diamond; two precious great grandsons, John Ryder and Owen Reed Diamond; one sister, Cora Sue Burkhead Jerkins (Burell) of Brewton, Alabama; sisters-in-law: Annie Jo Burkhead of Ashland, Alabama; Sara Burkhead of Pensacola, Florida; Betty Burkhead of Jay, Florida; and Virginia McCrory of Andalusia, Alabama; one brother-in-law, James Lee of Allentown, Florida; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews including one very special, loving, great nephew: Dutch Burkhead; John also leaves behind many friends.
Active pallbearers are Zane, Sandy, Luke, Eli, and Dutch Burkhead, Trey Burgess, Brandon Godwin, and Ricky Hendricks.