Dr. John Powell Puckett

Dr. John Powell Puckett Jr., 78, of Winter Haven, Florida, died on October 8, 2015 of heart failure. John was born in Perry, Florida on December 21, 1936 to Virginia and Powell Puckett. John attended Taylor County High School in Perry. He obtained undergraduate and medical degrees from Tulane University. He was a member of the SAE fraternity, the AOA honor medical society and he had the honor of serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force. From an early age, John dreamed of becoming a doctor. He decided to become an obstetrician because he thought it would be better to be surrounded by happy new parents than sick people. Over his career, he had the joy of welcoming several thousand babies into the world.

Everyone that knew John delighted in the happiness and renewed interest he took in all aspects of life with his wife Barbara. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. His family called him Daddy John and his friends knew him as Jolly John. He was always quick with a joke or story, and his presence at any type of gathering was sure to liven things up. He loved to hunt and fish, but was especially known for being the best camp cook. He was a master knife sharpener, jewelry maker, steak griller, barbecue sauce maker, and moon watcher. He found every BOGO and free flashlight known to mankind. He was also a master recycler before recycling became popular, and he could find an alternate use for everything. He frustrated countless bridge partners and opponents over the years and he was convinced that left-handed people were the true rulers of the world.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara Puckett of Winter Haven, Florida; his daughters, Amye Bailey of Tampa, Florida and Allyson Puckett of Tallahassee; his son and daughter-in-law, J. and Beth Puckett of Dallas; his grandchildren, Todd, John, Ally (Yates Bateman), Sarah (Leighton Watts), Julie, Kaitlyn, Virginia, and Daniel; and his sister, Jeanette Perrine of Wauchula, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife of 52 years, Mary Carolyn Puckett.

A graveside service for Dr. John Puckett, Jr. will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Valdosta with the Rev. Chris Michael officiating. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Winter Haven Library, 323 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, Florida 33881. Carson McLane Funeral Home.



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602