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Mr. Bobby Lawrence Turknett, age 91, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2024.  Services for Mr. Turknett will be held Sunday, September 15, 2:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church.  Pastor Darin Slaymaker will officiate.  The service will conclude at the church.  The family will receive friends following the service.  A private interment will be held in West Bainbridge Cemetery.

     Bobby Lawrence Turknett was born on October 11, 1932 in Bainbridge, Georgia, the son of Lester and Bessie Ruth Turknett. He graduated from West Bainbridge High School where he was a talented basketball player. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Bobby proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He met his love, Bennie Kathrine Smith, at the Rexall Swimming Pool in Bainbridge and courted and married her soon after in 1951. His keen sense of humor kept those around him entertained with good-hearted and affectionate antics. Bobby served as Deacon and was a Sunday School teacher at the First Christian Church in Bainbridge. Bobby’s love of sports led him to coach youth baseball teams and to develop his older son into a skilled pitcher. As a talented, self-taught harmonicist he would play hymns at church, sometimes accompanied by his great-grandson on his knee. For college football he claimed three favorites with Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia which meant he always had a winner in his back pocket. His entrepreneurial and engineering skills helped him develop multiple successful construction businesses leading to the building and restoration of many beautiful homes in nearby communities. Folks were green with envy of his green thumb, and he would always share his cuttings and bulbs. Bennie and Bobby opened their home and hearts to dozens of foster children through the years providing them with unconditional love and security. With his renowned woodworking talents, he produced beautiful furniture, cherished heirlooms, and toys—especially at Christmas for many a happy child. Kids always knew Mr. Bobby had a pocket full of candy to share with them. As an avid fisherman, he never failed to bring home a cooler full of brim, bass, and catfish. Often on Saturdays, the smell of fresh fish frying in his cookhouse would draw neighbors, friends, and family to enjoy food and fellowship. When the cooking was done, Bobby would always disappear with plates of food for the elderly and needy in the community. As the years passed, his ever active mind shifted to Bible study, crosswords, and Sudoku; his notes along with stacks of completed puzzle books still surround his favorite recliner. He and Bennie ultimately enjoyed 73 years of marriage together. His unmatched generosity, earnest compassion, and selfless love will forever be treasured in our hearts and minds.

      Mr. Turknett is survived by his wife of 73 years, Bennie Kathrine Smith Turknett; children, Leslie Turknett Belcher (Keith) of Cornelius, North Carolina and Russell S. (Russ) Turknett of Bainbridge, Georgia; sister, Peggy Armintrout of Sacramento, California; grandson, Bobby Lawrence Turknett, III of Bainbridge; great-grandchildren, Bo, Ali, Lailah, and Bella; sister-in-law, Verlie Anne Turknett;  grand-dogs, Nigel, Daizy, and Zoey; and numerous, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bobby Lawrence (Bo) Turknett, Jr.; and brothers, James (Jimmy) Turknett and Donald (Don) Turknett.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church, 908 South Scott Street, Bainbridge, Georgia 39819.

    On-line condolences may be sent at www.Coxiveyfuneralhome.com.  Cox-Ivey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.