Sidney Leon Turner

Sidney Leon Turner, affectionately known as “Twin” was born on February 21, 1962 in Gainesville Georgia to Rosalyn Turner and the late June Harris. He began his eternal journey on Saturday, January 26, 2020.

Leon was a 1980 graduate of Gainesville High School where he played football for the mighty Red Elephants. Soon after high school, he worked at the Georgia Department of Transportation. He later transitioned into public service where he worked as a firefighter for the Hall County Fire Services for over 15 years. Leon’s heroic efforts were often captured by the Gainesville Times newspaper. Most recently, he worked for the Hall County Department of Parks and Leisure. He was a diligent worker and in addition to his full-time employment, he held numerous part-time jobs around the community including Billy Webb Catering, Georgia Mountains Center, EKG security at the Georgia Dome, Red Rabbit bus driver, and Gainesville City Schools substitute bus driver. Leon also supported grieving families by working with Memorial Park Funeral Home. 

A brother and friend to many, Leon was a generous spirit that unselfishly served his community. He was a member of the transportation, security, healthcare and ushers ministries at his beloved St. John Baptist Church. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit that led him to start Turner’s Lawn Maintenance Service and Turner’s Bounce House Rental. 

Leon enjoyed family gatherings and family reunions, although he seldom sat down and chose to work. He always provided coolers with ice, placed cones for parking, and set up tents, tables and chairs. He focused his efforts to make sure his family and friends were comfortable and provided for. Leon was loving and playful, often teasing and laughing with everyone, and offering to lend a hand when needed. He made friends easily and had special relationships with many in the community. His most special relationship was with his daughter whom he doted on every chance he had. She was his heart and considered his second “twin”, often tagging along with Leon on his daily tasks. 

Leon was preceded in death by grandparents, John and Ruby Lee (Young) Turner, and John Henry and Odessa Harris; niece, Chunese Turner; aunt, Sadie Bell (Turner) McClusky; uncle, Lamar Turner; and brothers-in-law, Zachary Pickens and Welcomb Lipscomb.

He is survived by his daughter, Makayla Ruby Turner; special friend, Valeria Dunn; mother, Rosalyn Turner; sisters, Berlinda Lipscomb and Stephanie Pickens; brothers, Deon Turner, Chris Turner and Mark Butler; great aunt, Mildred Brown; aunts, Billie Morris, Annie Ruth Millsap, Martha Mays, and Lisa (Herbie) Mize; uncles, Asberry Turner, John Turner, Larry (Karole) Turner, Emory Turner, and Douglas (Clara) Turner; nieces, Leslie (Stacy) Harrison, Carla Lipscomb, Courtney (Darimus) Glasper, Camille Turner, and Charity Pickens; special friends, Lora Thomas and Quinn Seay, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at St. John Baptist Church at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2020 at St. John Baptist Church between the hours of 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.