Joe Lane Burkhead

Joseph Lane Burkhead, age 79, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021 while surrounded by his loving family at his home in Parsons, Tennessee. Joe was born to Joseph Slater and Edith Rushing Burkhead in Jackson, Tennessee, on March 9, 1942. Joe attended Jackson High School and Lambuth University, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. In 1963, he married his former wife, Carol Evans. They had two daughters, Julie Anne and Paula Elizabeth. For the past 29 years, Joe has been married to Patty Ann Hayes Burkhead of Parsons, Tennessee.

Joe was a retired Sergeant First Class in the Tennessee Army National Guard and won multiple awards for his shooting skills, including Army Rifle National Champion and Distinguished Rifleman. His dedication and service to America included: launching the U.S. Army Military Police School, processing the Army’s military equipment for deployments, and facilitating memorial services for patriots.

Joe enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and camping along the Hatchie River in Jackson with his daughters. Joe was loved by all pets, especially Jesse, Trudy and Digger. His hobbies included watching nature and history documentaries, photographing portraits of loved ones, laminating memorabilia, repairing and maintaining items, painting and detailing automobiles, gifting Bibles, and talking about the Lord.

Joe had a sensitive heart. He was aware of others' needs and was always ready to help by donating his time and resources. Joe actively served in his church by helping widows in the community who needed household repairs. He enjoyed making others laugh by telling funny jokes, making prank phone calls, and sending humorous greeting cards and packages.

Joe's life highlights were his invitation to Elvis' Blue Christmas party at Graceland in 1961 and traveling to the Holy Land with Patty in 1996. In his later years, Joe enjoyed singing Elvis songs and driving to the Tennessee River, where he and Patty would eat fried catfish.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Patty; daughters, Elizabeth and Julie Burkhead; stepson, Joe Paul Myracle (Lynette); grandchildren, Sarah Hayes (Joe), David and Luke Willman, stepgrandchildren Jake (Becky) and Kelsey Myracle; great-grandchildren Jackson Hayes and Liesl Myracle.

Services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 254 W Main St, Parsons, TN. The family will receive friends and loved ones for visitation on Monday, November 29, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with funeral services scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 12 p.m. Bro. Hoyt Wilson & Bro. Tommy Crocker officiating. Burial will follow at Union Church Cemetery, 350 Union Church Rd, Lexington, TN.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to Operation Heal Our Patriots at:

https://fundraise.samaritanspurse.org/fundraiser/3596674

When remembering Joseph Burkhead’s life, let us reflect on the following passage from Isaiah 40:30 of the King James Bible: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe Lane Burkhead, please visit our floral store.