Mr. John Turner Obituary

Mr. John Turner, 94, of Albany died Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Cordelia Manor in Cordele, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife Joanna Tarpley, three sisters, Mildred Wheeler, Grace Wilkins, and Mary Frances Anderson and a nephew Craig Anderson. Survivors include his two daughters, Joni Turner Pitts and her husband Don J. of Lake Blackshear, Sheree Turner, grandson James Turner of Albany, niece Linda Tate and her husband Jerry and a nephew Curtis Anderson, Jr. of Athens, GA. A graveside funeral servicewill be held Monday, February 4, 2013 at Andersonville National Cemetery. Rev. Phil Streetman will officiate. Mr. Turner was born to Lamar E. and Effie Fordham Turner on September 9, 1918 in Metter, GA. He graduated from Metter High School and worked various odd jobs often described in his animated stories. Anyone who knew him heard about his days in Vidalia as the "Famous Soda Jerk" known for his varsity-style entertaining menu announcements. He was also proud of his pool hall short-order cook tenure. Lyons, GA residents remembered him working at his uncle's grocery store prior to joining the U. S. Army in Nov 1940. Mr. Turner served under the command of Gen. George S. Patton in the "Hell on Wheels" 2nd Armored Division. He loved to tell humorous Patton stories, typically using colorful language. He was deployed for 33 months overseas in North Africa, Algeria, Tunisia, England, France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. Mr. Turner was a Bronze Star and Division Citation recipient and was discharged from the Army as a Staff Sergeant in July 1945. He returned home to marry the love of his life, Joanna Tarpley from Athens, GA in August of the same year. The newlyweds moved to Albany in search of employment. He was hired by Lilliston Implement Co. where he was employed for the next 35 years serving as Manager of the Parts Department. He and his family attended Sherwood Baptist Church. Mr. Turner was a past member of Albany Elks Lodge and Southwest GA Sportsman Club. His many interests include golfing, fishing, hunting and playing practical jokes on friends and family. He was greatly loved and will be missed. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to Alzheimer's Outreach Center, 314 N. Jefferson St, Albany, GA 31701 or Albany Humane Society, P O Box 3151, Albany, GA 31706.

Mr. John Turner Obituary

September 9, 1918 - January 31, 2013