Shockey Roots

Johnny Leon Shockey was born June 7, 1940 to John and Lela Shockey, in Moorewood, OK. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on May 10, 2025, at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and three days.
Johnny grew up in Hammon, OK, where he attended school from first through tenth grade. It was in Hammon, at the Baptist Church revival, at the age of 14, that Johnny gave his life to Christ. He went on to become a part of the Leedey Baptist Church, where he remained a dedicated member until his death. Known for his kind heart, strong spirit, and steady presence, Johnny touched the lives of many in his community and beyond.
His life changed forever when Shirley Jean Tullis, on her way to Elk City to watch the new Elvis hit Jailhouse Rock, saw the man she would give her heart to, preparing to fight on the side of the road, defending his brother’s honor. Struck by his courage and fighting spirit, Shirley decided in that moment that Johnny had to be hers-and she was right. The two were married on June 8, 1959, in Leedey, Oklahoma, beginning a love story that would last just short of 66 years.
At the time of their marriage, Johnny was working at the Leedey Cotton Gin. Soon after, he and Shirley moved to Stinnett, Texas, where Johnny worked as a cowboy for the Whittenburg Ranch, a job he held for several years. In 1962, while still riding the Texas range, they welcomed their first son, Johnny Leon “Little Johnny,” followed just 13 months later by their daughter, Paula Jean. With their growing family in mind, Johnny and Shirley returned to Leedey to raise their children in the town they loved.
After returning to Leedey, Johnny spent the next ten years working as a machine operator for Dewey County. During this time, Shirley gave birth to their third and final child, Gerald Lynn (Lynn). With their family complete, both Johnny and Shirley took jobs at Leedey Public Schools. Johnny served the school for 30 years as a janitor, bus driver, and maintenance man-a role that allowed him to be close to his children and, later, several of his grandchildren. He and Shirley always made sure to keep a drawer full of snacks in the janitor’s closet, ready for hungry grandkids after school.
In their later years, Johnny and Shirley enjoyed many trips to Branson, a favorite getaway filled with music, laughter, and memories. As time went on, their grandchildren and later great-grandchildren, began tagging along, turning the trips into cherished multi-generational adventures. When Parkinson’s disease began to take its toll on Johnny, the kids and grandkids lovingly returned the favor-continuing to take Johnny and Shirley to Branson for several more years, ensuring those joyful traditions lived on.
When Parkinson’s eventually made living at home impossible, Johnny moved to Elk City Nursing Home. There, he quickly became a favorite among the staff and was affectionately known as “PawPaw” to many. Shirley remained steadfast in her love and care, continuing to spoil Johnny and make his room a true home away from home-even going so far as to move a 50-inch television into his small room so he could enjoy his favorite westerns in comfort. The family would like to share their heartfelt love and appreciation to the staff of Elk City Nursing Home for helping make the last three years of Johnny’s life comforting, joyful, and full of love.
Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lela Shockey; father and mother-in-law Raymond and Bessie Tullis; Leonard and Lucille Brazell, who lovingly helped raise him as their own; brothers, Doug, Don, Carl, and Bob Shockey; half-brother, Loyd Powell; and two sisters, Leona Grossman and Clarice Davis; and sister-in-law, Vina Tullis.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and dedicated wife of 65 years and 337 days, Shirley; his children: Johnny and wife Donna of Leedey, OK; daughter Paula of Leedey, OK; and son Lynn of Butler, OK. One brother-in-law, Duane Tullis of Choctaw, Ok, many nieces and nephews, and countless lifetime friends and partners in crime.
Johnny was the most amazing Pawpaw to eight grandchildren: Garrett Shockey, Leslie Robinson, Nicki and Dustin McRee, Braden McCain, Kyle and Halee McCain, Jay and Morgan Little, Dylan and Frankie McCain, and Kelsie Hill.
He was blessed even more abundantly with the birth of nine great-grandchildren: Lexie, Bryant, Willow, Jenifer, Jaylie, Henlie, Olivander, Ivy, and Jax.
The world is full of amazing grandpas, but PawPaw was truly the best.
You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true, and when we needed something we could always count on you.
Memorial donations may be made to the
Leedey Ambulance or Leedey Fire Department c/o Shaw Funeral Home, P.O. Box 276, Vici, OK 73859.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Shaw Funeral Home – Leedey on May 13, 2025.