Bishop Eldridge Lee “Buddy” Turner, age 85, of Douglas, Georgia passed away peacefully on Friday, December 17, 2021, at his home with his family by his side. Bishop Turner was born on August 2, 1936, in Alabama to the late Hubert Lee Turner, Willie L. Vera. Baker Turner. Bishop Turner was preceded in death by his first wife Voncile V. Higginbotham Turner; daughter Marsha Hines; three sisters; Lois Golden, Doris Gilmer, and Rosa Mae Cherry.
“Buddy,” as he was called by many of his friends, left home at a young age of 15 on his quest for life.
Bishop Eldridge Lee “Buddy” Turner, was a man that loved his Faith, Family, Friends and Fun with all of his heart, worked hard with his hands for his family and the ministry with integrity, counting it all Joy. He enjoyed creating those moments that created memories for a lifetime.
In Florida and Georgia Bishop Turner served his 55 years of Evangelical and Pastoral ministry with The Church of God of Prophecy.
The calling on his life allowed him to not only to win many souls for Christ but to apply his knowledge in construction of churches & parsonages and youth camps using his talent of stucco, cutting antique brick, river rock and stone. He always tried to make things better for others.
When you met our Dad for the first time you had met a true friend for life. There was never any down time, he was either visiting his congregation in their homes or calling to see how they were doing and of course, to be sure they were in church Sunday morning. He enjoyed his beautiful garden seeing the fruit of his labor grow.
“Buddy” was blessed at a young age 17 to have the first love of his life our mother Voncile V. Turner, for 57 years. After her death, he married another wonderful woman Mrs. Wanda J. Turner for 10 years. “Buddy” will be remembered by survivors including wife; Wanda J. Turner, of Griffin, GA, son; David Lee Turner of NC, daughter; Anita Y. (Tom) Rice of Douglas, GA. granddaughter; Jennifer (Charles) Mack, of Eastman, GA. 3-grandsons; Justin (Autumn) Riley, of Ambrose, Ga. Michael Hines of Leesburg, GA, Blake Hines of Florida. 7-great grandsons; Devon Mack, Landon Walker, Ashton Mack, of Eastman, GA, Zain Riley, Tucker Riley, of Ambrose, GA, Parker Hines and Morgan Hines of Douglas, GA. 2-great granddaughters; Adia Hines, Brooke Hines, of Douglas, GA. 3-sister; Catherine Shiver, Shelby Jean Trusty, Ida Dean (A.Z.) Howell. Several nephews, nieces. Following family member names were not listed per request of wife Wanda Turner, 6 – 6-step children, 10-step grandchildren and 9-great grandchildren.
Family will receive friends before the memorial service, Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Church of God of Prophecy.
Come celebrate his Life the Memory of our loving Father’s Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Church of God of Prophecy, Hwy 32 East, Douglas, GA with Rev. Tom Rice giving the eulogy and Rev. John Howell officiating.
As you Honor our Father Bishop Eldridge Lee Turner. You’ll never forget his face, the sound of his voice, the gentleness of his touch… they let you know you were loved.
You’ll never forget the stories he told, the traditions he handed down… they let you know who you are. You’ll never forget the lessons he taught, the things he stood for…they are his gifts and our legacy. You’ll never forget, and you’ll always know that you honor him every day in how you live and who you are.
We thank you for the prayers, compassion, words of encouragement and kind expressions of love and sympathy they will never be forgotten.
The family of Bishop Eldridge Lee Turner has asked for donations in lieu of flowers.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.