Ralph G. Turner

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces Funeral Services for Mr. Ralph G. Turner, age 81 of Hiawassee who passed away Friday morning, December 15, 2017 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Ralph was the loving husband of 60 years to Sandra Martin Turner and devoted father of Todd (Vicki) Turner, Tami (David) Smith, and Timothy Turner, who died shortly after birth. He was the proud grandfather of Kaila (Joseph) Allen, Ryan (Samantha) Turner, Elizabeth Turner, and great grandson, Jack Allen. Ralph is also survived by brother, Doug (Janet) Turner, sister-in-law, Jean Benson, and 4 nephews and their families.

Born in Lathemtown, Georgia, to Hubert and Essie Turner, Ralph excelled in multiple sports, played baseball for the Georgia Southern Eagles and began his career at the Statesboro Recreation Department. He moved to his beloved mountains to start Towns County's first Community Recreation program. He worked with distinction for the GA DNR as Region 1 manager of state parks and after retirement was a local realtor.

Strong in his Christian faith, he loved God and loved people. He served in the Army National Guard and was a true American patriot. He was a hard worker who thrived on competition and always had a positive attitude, dedicating his life to leading, coaching and mentoring others. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, golfer, and photographer.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017 at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Taylor and Rev. Danny Byers officiating. Eulogies will be given by Kaila Allen, Roy Cole, Frank Hook, and Bryan Nichols. Music will be provided by Rev. Danny Byers, Alan Kendall, Chris Adams, and Kaila Allen. Interment will follow at Osborn Cemetery with Military Honors presented by The North Georgia Honor Guard. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Dale Turner, Darren Turner, Dr. Casey Turner, James Turner, Joseph Allen, and Ryan Turner. The family will receive friends on Monday at the Church from Noon until the service begins.

If you wish to do so, memorial contributions may be made to McConnell Memorial Building Fund, P.O. Box 235, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546 https://mcconnellchurch.org/give/ or to Gideon's International- local chapter, P.O. Box 521, Blairsville, Georgia 30514

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.