Ralph Turner

Ralph Nace Turner, age 89, passed away peacefully and went to Heaven on October 6, 2025 in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Ralph was born to the late John and Daisy Turner of Fairburn, Georgia on May 11, 1936. Ralph lived a life marked by dedication to his family and his work. Ralph was a member of the Class of 1954 at Campbell High School in Fairburn. Ralph served his country in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves. He began his career as an apprentice at Longino and Porter and then worked for Color Graphics from its inception. He remained in the commercial printing industry all of his working life. Ralph and Mary were also active in the establishment of Emmanuel Baptist Church on Butner Road in the 1960’s. His family were members and built life-long friendships from their years at Emmanuel. Upon his retirement in 2001 Ralph and Mary moved to Anniston, Alabama. They became members of Golden Springs Baptist Church and enjoyed new friendships in church and with their wonderful neighbors. Ralph enjoyed golfing with friends and family. Ralph and Mary also enjoyed supporting and encouraging their grandchildren by attending many athletic events, programs, plays, and concerts. Ralph was a proud “Pop” to his four grands and his three great grandchildren. In his spare time, Ralph could be found fixing, repairing, and/or building various items for his family. His attention to detail, creativity, and ability to work with various woodworking tools and materials kept a continued “wish list” of projects. His handiwork included making personalized corn-hole games, checker game boards, a baptismal cross, frames for diplomas, to name a few. Often, his projects evolved with only a verbal description or idea and he made it to perfection. In addition to his parents, Ralph was also preceded in death by his six siblings. Ralph is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Smith Turner; his children, Melinda Cook (Nelson), Marsha Rodgers (Mike), and Eddie Turner (Amy); his cherished grandchildren who called him “Pop”: Madelon Cook, Georgia Cook Ray (Jeff), Abby Sanders Hatmaker (Vince), and Sidney Nace Turner; and his three great-grandchildren, Rowan Cook Reaves, Brooklyn Cooper Ray, and Julia Madelon Ray. Our hearts are broken, but God has graciously given us wonderful memories to treasure until we see our Dad/Pop again. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 1 o’clock at Holly Hill Memorial Park, with Pastor Don Gober officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home and Crematory. Pallbearers include: Madelon Cook, Nelson Cook, Vince Hatmaker, Mike Rodgers, Clay Thomas, and Sidney Turner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3911 Sharpsburg McCollum Road, Newnan, GA 30265, in Ralph’s memory.

Ralph Turner

May 11, 1936 - October 6, 2025