James Henley Turner

James Henley Turner, Senior, 88, of Sharpsburg, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, July 11, 2023, in the comfort of his home accompanied by his beloved wife and family members. His heavenly homegoing was just four days shy of his 89th birthday. He was born to the late Fred Oxford Turner and Emma Bonita Kearns on July 15, 1934, in Fulton County, Georgia. He is also preceded in death by his youngest son, Fred “Freddie” Oxford Turner, and his brother, Preston Monroe Turner. At six years old his family moved to Hutcheson Ferry Road in Palmetto, Georgia, where he remained until enlisting in the Army at 21 years old. He served Active Duty in Germany from 1955-1957, followed by four years in Reserve before his discharge. In May 1957, he began working for Delta Airlines at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. He specialized in welding and later became a Lead Mechanic for Delta’s Department 400 - Welding Shop. This position he held for almost 30 years before retiring in 1993. James enjoyed spending his retirement years with Barbara Ann (Saye) Turner, his beloved wife of 66 years. Together, they attended churches where she served as minister of music and pianist, most recently at New Hope United Methodist Church in Chattahooche Hills, Georgia, and Bethany United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. A skilled handyman and mechanic, James could figure out how to repair or use most machinery. Even up to his last months, he surprised his grandkids by embracing the digital age, communicating via email on his computer, and researching topics, texting and FaceTiming on his iPhone. He is survived by two children, James Henly Turner, Junior (wife Kim) and Tracy Lynn Staton (husband Blake); six grandchildren, Alison Joy Schatz (husband Derek), Daniel James Turner (wife Emily), Benjamin Joseph Turner (wife Delaney), Joanna Grace Turner, Hannah Faith Staton, and Caleb Fred Staton; and one sister, Elaine “Sister” Draper. Visitation/Viewing will be held at Parrott’s Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (family members only) and from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (for the public). A Funeral Service will be held at Parrott’s Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., with Viewing prior to the Service from 3:00-4:00 p.m. A special Graveside Service for family and close friends will be held Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Sardis Baptist Church in Palmetto, Georgia. The Service will be followed by a potluck meal in the church fellowship hall. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish to share. This will be a time of fellowship and celebration of James’ life with the sharing stories and memories.

James Henley Turner

July 15, 1934 - July 11, 2023