Joe Ben Burleson, Sr. 70, of Panama City, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025.  He was born December 3, 1954 in Mobile, Alabama to Leon & Stella Burleson.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Emory & Betty Ray.  He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Sandra L. Ray-Burleson; two loving children, Heather Burleson-Smith (Ross), Joe Ben Burleson Jr., three grandchildren, Elizabeth Smith, Reagan Smith and Emmalyn Smith.  Joe has four siblings, Jim Burleson (Jeanie), Betty Carpenter, David Burleson, Lee Burleson (Amy) and several nieces and nephews.

Joe was a registered nurse for thirty years.  He worked at Bay Medical Center, Encompass and HCA Gulf Coast Medical Center. Joe also served as a local pastor in the United Methodist Church in South Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 9-10 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Port St. Joe Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 266, Port St. Joe, FL 32457 in memory of Joe Burleson.