Joey Glenn Whitehead

November 07, 1955 - March 12, 2020. Jacksonville, FL

How can one summarize in a few paragraphs the fruitful life of Joey Whitehead?

He grew up in the small town of New Brockton, Alabama with his mother Dorothy Ellenor Bowers and his three sisters; Joanie Ellen White, Theresa Faye Hathcock and Virginia Lee Whitehead. While still in high school he moved to Lake City, FL to be with his father, Billy Jo Whitehead. Joey began his forty-six year career in the construction industry as a sheet metal mechanic on C130 transport planes and moved on to building residential subdivisions. A shadetree mechanic, he developed an interest in antique automobiles, dirt tracking self-modified late cars while he was there. He married Sara Jo Milam and had three wonderful children; Sara Ann, Jason Thomas and Laurel Amber and he welcomed his children’s halfsister, Aspen Kennedy Hopkins as part of the family. His son, Jason went on to have two children with his wife Missy; Wynter and Wilson, and Sara recently married Steve Harmon of Richmond Virginia.

In 1992 after Hurricane Andrew hit Miami, he went down to help out with the reparations where he met his current wife, Christine Yvonne Knize. In Miami, Joey earned his general contracting and plumbing licenses. Thereafter the couple opened a construction company, building and renovating large custom homes for over 25 years.

In 2014, Joey purchased property on the St. John’s River in Mandarin to be closer to his children and grandchildren and relocated permanently to Jacksonville. He and Christine designed and built their dream retirement home. He continued his collection of Datsun Fair Lady Roadsters from the 60’s, a 1957 Chevrolet pickup and two 1946 GMC trucks and refurbished them. He was often seen driving his vehicles in town, recognized by fellow car enthusiasts for his lovingly restored vehicles and his full head of snowy white hair.

Joey will be remembered as a kind and gentle person who would do anything for his family. A memorial will be held for Joey at his home on the banks of the river that he had grown to love.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.