John Steven "Steve" Whitehead, 63, died Saturday, October 29, 2016 at NMMC Hospice after an extended battle with diabetes and cirrhosis. Steve was born on July 17, l953 in Tupelo to John Elgar Whitehead and Mildred Ruth McMullan Whitehead. He graduated from Shannon High School and briefly attended Itawamba Community College. Steve committed to serving as a law enforcement officer as his life work. He spent over 33 active years in law enforcement having served the Town of Shannon as a Policeman for 17 years with the balance of his career spent with the Lee County Sheriff's Department. He was a patriotic American and believed in dispensing justice fairly but firmly. Officer Whitehead also served as a volunteer fireman for the Town of Shannon. Even with his commitment to law enforcement, Steve had a love for driving 18 wheelers and worked for several trucking companies when he could. A Baptist, Steve enjoyed people, visiting, talking, fishing and camping. A service celebrating his life and honoring his law enforcement career will be held at 2 PM Monday, October 31, 2016 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Bro. Jerry Estes officiating. Burial will follow in Shannon Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 PM-6PM today (Sun.) and from Noon-service time Monday all at the Tupelo Chapel. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends and neighbors. Officer Whitehead is survived by his wife, Julia Walls Whitehead of Shannon. His daughter, Laura Duryee and husband, Jason of Nettleton. 3 grandchildren, Damion, Stephen and Jaycee. His sister, Debbie Pickens (Donnie) of Shannon and his brother, Michael Whitehead of the Old Union Community. He was preceded in death by his parents and dear friend and former Shannon Police Chief Bobby Spencer. Pallbearers will be Michael Fowler, Brad Walls, John Hays, Lyle Pickens, Donnie Pickens and Bert Loden. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, 16 Northtown Drive, Suite 100, Jackson, MS. 39211 or to Lee County Sheriff's Department Benelovent Fund, 510 Commerce St., Tupelo, MS. 38804. Condolences may be e mailed to [email protected]