Doug Turk

Doug Turk, age 72, of Gillsville went to his heavenly home Friday, April 10, 2020, at Landmark Hospital in Athens following a courageous battle with heart failure.

Because of the current pandemic, a graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Michael McIntyre will officiate.

Doug was born December 13, 1947, in Gainesville to the late Felton and Blanch Turk. He spent his adolescent years dreaming of having a farm and building “air castles” with his Granny Turk. He was a graduate of South Hall High School, Nashville Auto-Diesel College and Brenau University where he received a bachelor’s in business administration. Even though he was business-minded and a diesel mechanic by trade, he loved agriculture most of all; especially farming. He raised cattle, horses and called many dogs friend over the years. In the early ‘80s, he was one of the first people in the Southeastern United States to adopt wild mustangs out of Rock Springs, Wyoming, all of which he broke and trained himself. His love for the Western lifestyle inspired his dream to ranch in Montana. He was able to live that dream and spent the last several years of his life raising cattle and building a ranch in Big Sky Country.

Doug was a driven, hard-working man, who spoke often of God’s faithfulness in his life and believed anything was possible through Him. He was dedicated to his daughters and wife, and instilled that same drive and determination in each of them. 

Doug was a Vietnam War veteran who served in the United States Army, and was also a member of Gillsville Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sharon Turk of Gillsville; daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Ben Parks of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Chris Carpenter of Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Jessie and Jason Bland of Gillsville; granddaughter, Emma Bland; and brother, Roy Turk of Colbert.

The family wishes to thank friends and family for their thoughts and prayers throughout his illness, as well as those who have provided medical care along the way.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, Georgia 30504, is in charge of arrangements.

Please send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.