Johnny Durham

Johnny D. Durham, 81, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at his home in Ruidoso, NM surrounded by his family. Johnny fought long and hard, his battle with Parkinson's.

Johnny was born and raised in Roswell, NM. By the time he was 19, he owned a used car lot called Durham's Auto Mart. It was also during his high school years that Johnny's life-long love of flying began.

Johnny moved his family to Ruidoso in 1965 when he purchased Sierra Blanca Motors, his success with his company is attributed to his caring attitude. He always wanted to take care of others, he was honest, fair and respected. He was a man of integrity.

Johnny had a deep love and passion for Ruidoso. He was always trying to make his community a better place. No matter where he traveled, he always wanted to get back home to Ruidoso by the river. He was a loving man full of life.
In 1983 he married Rebecca Radcliffe, they enjoyed many good times traveling and enjoying life. They built a home in San Carlos, Mexico where they spent most of the winters in recent years.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rebecca Radcliffe Durham; his son, Ted Durham and grandson, Dryver Durham; daughter, Cheryl Durham Rochelle and her husband, Mark and granddaughters, Emily and Rachel Rochelle; daughter, Cindy Durham Jones and her husband, Ronnie and grandson, Dane Jones and granddaughter, Lindsay Jones; also two brothers, Barney and Bobby Durham and sister, Cyloma Durham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Nora Durham and one brother, Billy Durham.

The family would like to sincerely thank, Kristi Murillo, Jenny Crabb, Hadith Alatorre, Elizabeth Portillo and Tashema Herrera for the compassionate and loving care they gave Johnny. Also to Michael Widener for his love, friendship and commitment to Johnny the last fourteen years. He never wanted to give up and helped give him a quality life.

Memorial service will be Saturday, August 20, at 2:30 PM at the First Baptist Church in Ruidoso.

The family has requested memorials to Christian Services of Lincoln County, the Lincoln County Food Bank or your favorite local charity.

In the book of life, "He Never Missed a Page."

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