John Sanford Putnam, 89, passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2016. Visitation will be Monday, February 1, 2016, 11-12 noon, followed by chapel service at Elkins East Funeral Home in Killen, Alabama. Wayne Barrier and Scotty South will officiate. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Haleyville, Alabama following a graveside service at 4 PM conducted by Jeremy Barrier and Jeff South.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during WWII in the south Pacific on the island of Guam. He worked as a bricklayer with 3 of his brothers and built many schools, churches and buildings all over north Alabama. He was also a welder and taught welding at Shoals Community College and later owned and operated Putnam Brothers Welding and Machine Shop with his brother George. He served as an elder, song leader and treasurer for the Stewartsville Church of Christ and later was a member of the Center Star Church of Christ. He enjoyed camping, motorcycle riding, travel, and watching his grandchildren play sports.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur B. Putnam and Susan Ramsey Putnam; brothers, Wendell (Paulene), Wade (Mildred), Frank (Alyce), Joe (Francis), Otto (Ruby), and George (Mildred); and sisters, Annie Mae Halbert (Karlton) and Ruth Mize (Gene); and 5 infant siblings.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Virginia Benefield Putnam; daughters, Diane South (Scotty), Janet Barrier (Wayne); grandchildren, John, (Karen) Jeff (Jamie), Jason (Gina), and Jared (Cathy) South; Jenny Whiteside, Jamie (Katie), Joey (Anna), Jeremy (Robin) Barrier; great-grandchildren, Katie, Kristen, and Josie South, Brand Owsley, Skyler and Michaela South, Crispin, Duncan, Liam, and Juliet South, Lan Whiteside, Billy Barrier, Gracie, Noah, and Abraham Barrier, Samuel and Sophia Barrier; one great-great grandchild, Jaylie Owsley.
Pallbearers will be the grandsons.
The family is grateful to El Reposo Nursing Facility for his care during the past 17 months.