Joel Nathan Burkhead

Joel Nathan Burkhead, 71, of Dyersburg, died on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at his residence.

Born on August 20, 1954, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Joel was the son of the late Alvis “Newt” Burkhead and the late Patricia Ann King Burkhead. He dedicated more than twenty-five years of service as a driver for the Dyersburg Fire Department, where he was respected for his dependability, loyalty, and kind-hearted nature.

Joel loved his family deeply and treasured every moment spent with them. He especially enjoyed fishing at Reelfoot Lake near Indian Creek, hunting squirrel and coon, and watching his grandchildren play. Known for his gentle spirit and unwavering loyalty to his friends, Joel was the kind of man who would gladly give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He had a light-hearted and funny personality and could always make those around him smile. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating the service will be Bro. Bill Phipps. Visitation for Mr. Burkhead will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

Joel leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of thirty-nine years, Janene Taylor Burkhead of Dyersburg, Tennessee; two daughters, Mallory Grace Jackson and husband Jason of Dyersburg, Tennessee, and Allyson Claire Burkhead of Dyersburg, Tennessee; two sisters, Melinda Twilla of Jackson, and Kim Wheeler and husband Bubba of Newbern; and he was "JoeJoe" to his four grandchildren, Landon Burnette, Wyatt Jackson, Will Jackson, and Waylon Burkhead.

Online condolences may be made to the family at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joel Nathan Burkhead.

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