One of Americans greatest generation passed into glory on January 24, 2010. Roy H. Turner, Sr. was allowed 87 years to serve his fellow man and family before going home. Mr. Turner was raised in his beloved Lula where he visited many times over the years and spoke of with great pride. After high school he entered North Georgia College. He met many people there who encouraged him and molded his life.
At the end of his education there, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the 82nd Airborne division. He served in campaigns in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany and England and was stationed for a year in Ireland and was a member of the D Day invasion force during World War II. He received a Purple Heart during the course of his service in the military.
Upon returning home, Mr. Turner enrolled in the University of Georgia where he finished his education. His college years were very important to him and he drew great pride in his colleges. Even while sick in bed, he managed to find the Georgia football games and see them to the end.
After college, he came to Gainesville where he met Caroline Flanders. She was a student at Brenau College. They soon married and were devoted to each other for 60 years until her death in January 2009. But soon after their marriage began, Mr. Turner served his country again in the Korean War. Upon returning home, he was promoted to Captain and served in the Reserves until he retired.
In Gainesville, Mr. Turner went into the insurance business, starting The Roy Turner Insurance Company later evolving into the Turner, Wood and Smith Insurance Center. He became an important member of the community, helping many young people find employment and opportunity. He served in the Kiwanis Club and on the Gainesville City Board of Education for several years. He also served on the Hall County Hospital Authority. While being so involved in the community, he and Caroline raised 5 children.
Mr. Turner was predeceased by his wife, Caroline; 3 brothers, Paul Turner, Jack Turner and Kelly Turner; and 2 sisters, Doris Lindsley Bailey and Lois Carlton.
He is survived by his children, Roy H. (Bo) Turner, Jr., Lynn and Bob Johnson, Kim Turner and Kathy Varadi, Hank and Gina Turner, and Joe and Dottie Turner; grandchildren, Mary Lynn Johnson, Taylor and Jason English, Paul Turner, Thomas Turner, Trey Turner, Tyler Turner, Alden Turner, Brooks Turner, Sally Turner and one great-grandson, Max Smith. Also included in the roll call of children is Phil Davis who grew up side by side with the Turner children and his wife Kim and their boys P. J. and Caston who also became loved as family.
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