John Leon Durrance, 92, of Nashville, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the Langdale Hospice House in Valdosta.

He was born April 24, 1930, in Berrien County, to the late Carlie Durrance and Lillie Mae Connell.  After graduating high school in 1947, he served four years in the US Navy.  Afterwards, he worked in civil service as an aircraft electrician and later as a meat cutter at the commissary on Moody AFB.  He continued to work in various capacities after his retirement from civil service in 1985.  A lifelong farmer, he took pride in gardening, and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with his friends and neighbors.  He is perhaps best remembered by those in the community as the co-owner of Show Time Video, a family-owned business he managed with his wife, Betty Jean, for over 20 years in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Leon, or Papa, as he was called by many in his family, enjoyed being around people.  He thrived on family reunions and other get-togethers, and was always eager to invite friends and neighbors over to eat.  He joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in 1997 and went on to be a founding member and trustee of A'Neway Baptist Church in 2001, where he served faithfully alongside his brothers and sisters in Christ.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean (Hendley) Durrance, a sister, Lucille Sellars, and an infant brother, Willis.  He is survived by his daughters: Jeannie (Luke) Jackson, Lebanon, IN; Vicki (Don) Cole, Valdosta, GA; grandchildren: Kerri (Brad) Hurliman, Lafayette, IN; Matt (Kelly) Jackson, Lebanon, IN; Dr. John (Nancy) Cole, Valdosta, GA; Bart (Alita) Jackson, Lebanon, IN; Karla (Lonnie) Roberts, Nashville, GA, as well as 15 great-grandchildren that he adored with all his heart.  His surviving siblings: brother, Carroll (Barbara) Durrance, Nashville, GA; sisters, Christine (Jack) Shellhouse, Oxford, GA; Mary Willene (Bill) Kalick, Tuscon, AZ; Martha Nell Dalhouse, Metairie, LA.

Funeral services will be held in the sanctuary at A'Neway Baptist Church (488 Allenville Road, Nashville) at 2PM, Wednesday, January 4, 2023, with the Rev. Mike Bennett officiating.  Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to services.  Interment will be at Westview Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Langdale Hospice House of Valdosta.