Edward Eugene Turner Sr., known lovingly as Gene, passed away peacefully March 18, 2026 at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin, Georgia, after a very brief illness. Born on January 6, 1941, in Pike County, Georgia, to the late Hoke Smith Turner and Mary Ella Ogletree Turner, Gene lived a life defined by faith, family, and unwavering service to others.

After spending his childhood in Brunswick during the years of World War II, Gene moved to Barnesville, where he lived in the old Gachet House and later on Yatesville Road. He graduated from Milner High School in 1959 and married the love of his life, Helen Louise Schaffer Turner, in 1962, in the home he built with his own hands. Gene worked for Atlanta Gas Light Company for 32 years before retiring to devote time to his beloved family. A skilled craftsman and licensed master electrician, he thoroughly enjoyed woodworking, building furniture for family and friends, collecting antiques, and generously donating his time to help build homes, including framing, brick and mortar work, and wiring. He was a mentor to many and a teacher of self-reliance, whether working with tools, making repairs, or teaching someone to fish. Gene believed wisdom and life lessons should be shared for generations to come, and when faced with a challenge, his drive and determination always found a solution.

First and foremost, Gene was a Christian. He accepted Christ at a very young age, maintained his lifelong membership at Antioch Baptist Church, attended First United Methodist Church often, and became an ordained minister during adulthood. He thoroughly enjoyed studying the Bible, spending time with his church family, and teaching Scripture to the children in his family and leading others to Christ. His word was as strong as oak, and he loved those in his life deeply. A pure gentleman filled with kindness, honor, and respect, Gene lived by the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." To know him was to love him, and he was loved and respected by all.

Gene was married to his first wife, Louise for 53 beautiful years. Together, they raised four children and embraced countless grandchildren and family members. After Louise's passing, Gene later found companionship and love with Maxine Barron. After a brief courtship, they married and shared seven blessed years together until his passing.

Gene adored each family member.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise; his daughter, Angela Turner Warmack; his parents; his brother, Samuel Enoch Turner; and his sister, Judy Turner Dunn. He is survived by his daughters, Marilyn Turner Piper (CR Taylor) and Mary Jill Turner Springer (Russell Springer); his son, Edward Eugene Turner Jr (Christy); his wife, Maxine B. Turner; his sister, Nellie Turner Johnson; his grandchildren- Jonathan Warmack Coffin (Tim), Heath Warmack (Betty), Montana Warmack (Stephanie), Nolan Warmack (Montana), Madelyn Piper (Jacob Horne m. 2027), Lydia Piper, Abigail Springer (Drake Jurcak m. 5/16/2026), & Seth Turner; his great-grandchildren - Calvin Springer, Eli Warmack, Jett Warmack, and Lucas Warmack; sister-in-laws - Susan, Roxanne, & Alice; brother-in-law Scott; his nieces & nephews - Julie, Janet, Casey, Brian (d.), April (d.), Ginger, Chrissy, Nancy, Stacy, Ashley, Autumn, Leigh, Stephen, Hal, Heather, and extended family members who cherished him and loved him as a brother.  A special thank you to Megan Pass (Stephen) for the care she gave during hospice visits & to Madelyn for the care & time she selflessly gave.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, he was honored for 50 years of service by the Grand Masonic Lodge of Georgia. His history of service from the Grand Masonic Lodge of Georgia:  Worshipful Brother Edward Eugene Turner Sr was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on March 2, 1976, he was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, and served as Master of Pinta Lodge No. 89. Worshipful Brother Edward Eugene Turner's Commandery Record Includes:

York Rite Commandery of Georgia - Griffin Commandery No. 35, served as Eminent Commander, and  transferred to Alexis Commandery No. 22.

Royal Arch Masons of Georgia - Mystic No. 51 Chapter; served as High Priest of Mystic No. 51,  Joined Pythagoras No. 10, and transferred to Lakewood No. 27.

Council of Royal and Select Masters - Joined Griffin Council No. 8, affiliated with Barnesville Council No. 51, served as Illustrious Master of Barnesville Council No. 51, and later transferred to Lakewood Council No. 10.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Antioch Baptist Church, 2269 Yatesville-Barnesville Road, Yatesville, Georgia.  Members of Antioch Baptist Church will prepare lunch for the immediate family at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM, officiated by Reverend Jeff Morgan. Interment will follow immediately at Lamar Memory Gardens, US Highway 341 South, Barnesville, Georgia.

Pall Bearers include:  Seth Turner, Montana Warmack, Nolan Warmack, Jonathan Warmack, Heath Warmack, Jacob Horne, Ben Durham, & Paul Kunts.

Flowers are welcome, but if you would like to make a donation to The Masonic Home of Georgia Orphanage in Macon to honor Edward Eugene Turner, please visit masonichomeofgeorgia.com. Gene always followed the mission statement: "Together, we improve communities by providing a foundation for the positive development of youth in Georgia." His lifelong commitment to the orphanage is a testament to his kindness and care for others. Donations are graciously appreciated in Gene's honor & memory.

Proverbs 20:7 - A Righteous Man "The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them."

Dad, our virtuous father, emphasized the lasting impact of wisdom, love, and guidance.  Your good character leaves an impression on each of us and the generations that follow.  Until we meet again, we know you will watch over & protect each of us.

With love,

Your children

Those who wish may leave an online condolence on our website, www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com

Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is proudly serving the Turner family.