Joe Wayne Conkle

Joe “Wayne” Conkle, 74, of Bushnell, Florida passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025. He was born on March 14, 1950 in Sand Rock, Alabama to the late Joseph Samuel George “Joe” Conkle and Era Lamander Watts Conkle. Wayne, my dad, was a lifetime Walking Horse enthusiast. While working as a horse trainer, he has mentored many, shaping lives into lifetime enthusiasts as well. As I became an adult, my family would often travel to any shows where we got to see him in his environment. It always gave me joy to see the way he interacted with the horse community and the true love and respect they all had for him and each other. He always made sure to watch the runs of every horse they brought to those shows, supporting his fellow horse friends throughout the competition. When someone was performing well, you could always hear his enthusiastic “YEAH, ____” followed by a kind and encouraging compliment when they finished. He is survived by his longtime partner, Tracy Pinson, daughter, Ashley Conkle Smith (Chris), grandson, Porter Brent Smith, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Raymond Luther “R.L” Conkle (Susie), James “Ledon” Conkle (Doris), Verna Conkle Walker (Jack), Orville “Ezell” Conkle (Bernice), Ruth Ann Conkle, Mary Lou Conkle Hopkins (Ray), and “Johnny” Samuel Conkle (Gloria). A special friend, Danielle Sandvick wrote this and it is beautiful and perfect: “Wayne was a true horseman his entire life. His love for horses was only matched by his love for his family-his partner, Tracy, his daughter, Ashley, and his grandson, Porter, and of course his unwavering passion for Alabama football. Together, Wayne and Tracy built a life filled with love and dedication, with horses always at the heart of it. At Darby Oaks Stables, they not only created a sanctuary for horse lovers, but a place where strangers become family. Wayne may not have always realized just how deeply he impacted those around him, but to all who know him, he was a steady rock. Darby Oaks Stables was always a place to find peace, a refuge where people could escape the stress of life. When times were tough, Wayne would simply say “Come out to the barn and go for a ride.” And in those moments, it became clear that there was no better way to clear your mind than fresh air, the company of horses, and being around people you could always count on. In a world that moves too fast and can often feel complicated, having someone like Wayne in your life-someone you could always rely on- was a rare and precious gift. He embodied kindness, humility, and steadfast love, and we will miss him more than words can express.Life may take more from us than we can handle at times, but the memory of Wayne, the strength of his character, and the profound impact he had on all of us will remain forever in our hearts.” A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Tuckers Chapel Cemetery. There will also be a Celebration of Life held in Bushnell on March 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Kids to Love in memory of Wayne Conkle.

Joe Wayne Conkle

March 14, 1950 - January 11, 2025