Ronny L. Turner

Published 9:36 am Wednesday, May 29, 2024

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Ronny L. Turner, 77, of Bainbridge, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024.

The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chris Humphries and Rev. Stephen Webb officiating. Grimsley’s Coffee Club, The Table of Knowledge, which includes Ted Martin, Harry Rich, Charles Tyson, Sydney Cochran, Stephen Webb, Charles Walker, Wayne Shiver, Carl Lynn, Randy Logue, and Dale Brock, will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to: Bainbridge High School Athletics, 1 Bearcat Boulevard, Bainbridge, GA 39819; Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1500 E. Shotwell Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819; or First Baptist Church, PO Box 155, Bainbridge, GA 39818.

Ronny Leo Turner was born July 6, 1946, in Bainbridge, GA, the son of Leo & Dorothy Dunn Turner. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1964 and was named the 1964 MVP for the Bearcats. Ronny worked for years at Eastside Grocery and then as a salesman at Action GM. He was a member of First Baptist Church. 

A local legend in his own right, Ronny Turner was a friend to generations. He loved greeting people at Eastside and slipping the children a Red Hot. Later, he cheered them (their children, grandchildren, and even some great-grandchildren) on as Bearcats. He enjoyed every minute of the play-by-play calling on the radio and at Centennial Field with his pals, Roy Simpson & Prescott Forsyth.

For many, Ronny’s Christmas cards were a tradition. Those who knew him well understood his absolute love for Bainbridge, GA and the Georgia Bulldogs. He was a collector…memorabilia, stories that got better with time, knives, and pocket watches. Old cars piqued his interest and became a part of many conversations. Music soothed Ronny’s soul. He tapped his toe to bluegrass, old country, gospel, and anything Elvis.

Survivors include his daughter, Lesley Turner Taylor of Bainbridge; his granddaughters, Caroline & Sarah Beth; and a special friend, Patricia Shephard. In addition to his parents, Ronny was preceded in death by his siblings, Nell Hines, Harold Turner, Billy Turner, Hershel Turner, Frances Pope, Billy Yates, Mildred Yates, Sybil Dollar, and Buddy Yates. 

The Turner Family extends their sincere gratitude for Dr. J. Sydney Cochran for his decades of unwavering care and extra-special friendship.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)