John K. Whitehead

John Kurtz Whitehead, 79, of Destin, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on May 26, 2026, following a courageous battle with vascular dementia. John was born on April 12, 1947, in Natchez, Mississippi, to Leonard James “L.J.” and Evelyn Whitehead. The fourth of six children, he grew up in Natchez, Mississippi, where he attended public schools before studying advertising and merchandising at the University of Southern Mississippi.

While in college, John met the love of his life, Janna, in 1967. Their partnership became the foundation of a loving marriage that lasted more than five decades after they wed in Meadville, Mississippi, on December 6, 1970. Together they built a life centered on love, family, resilience, and unwavering support for one another.

John proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserve while beginning a successful and dynamic business career. Over more than twenty years with Sears Roebuck and Co., he became known for his leadership, work ethic, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His career later included positions with Fays Drugs, Transworld Entertainment, Office Max, and the Northwest Florida Daily News. His work took him across the country and around the world, including multiple trips to Hangzhou, China, while providing his family opportunities to live in communities in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, New York, Illinois, and Ohio, and ultimately back to Florida.

No matter where life took him, John brought warmth, humor, and generosity to those around him. He had a deep love for golf and spent many happy years on the course. In semi-retirement, he especially enjoyed serving as a greeter and starter at Camp Creek Golf Course, where his friendly personality and welcoming smile made lasting impressions on both visitors and friends.

John was known for his steady presence, quick wit, and devotion to his family. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his daughters and treasured every moment spent with his grandson. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or simply making others laugh, he had a gift for making people feel valued and at ease.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard James and Evelyn Whitehead, and by his brothers Herbert, Jimmy Clyde, and Paul Whitehead. John is survived by his beloved wife, Janna Whitehead; his daughters, Keri Watson (Cliff) and Stacye Davidson (Ingram); his grandson, John Wesley Watson; his sisters, Terri Shroyer (Duane) and Sylvia Watts; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

A small memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Harvest House food pantry in Destin, Florida. John’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.