David Turner

James “David” Turner passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Oxley Park Health and Rehabilitation in Lyons, Georgia, after an extended illness. He was most recently a resident of The Oaks at Bethany Assisted Living in Vidalia, Georgia, where he enjoyed Bible study, music ministry, and socializing.

Born on May 30, 1940, at Washington Memorial Hospital in Washington, Georgia, David was the firstborn child of the late Ernest Turner and Dorothy Nash Turner. He was raised in Crawfordville, Georgia, and graduated from Alexander Stephens Institute in 1958.

The grandson of Professor and Mrs. J.D. Nash Sr., David attended the University of Georgia, Class of 1965, where he developed a lifelong love for UGA athletics and remained an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. During his college years, he worked with the UGA campus police department.

David began his professional career as an Office Manager with Georgia Craft in Sparta. After college, he joined Shamrock Vending in Athens and was later promoted to Office Manager in Atlanta. In 1967, he co-founded David Sales Company, a wholesale glove business in Martinez, Georgia, with his father. After selling David Sales to Magid Glove in Chicago, Illinois, David drew on that experience to launch Turner Hat Company from his garage in McDonough, Georgia. Thanks to his vision and determination, he grew Turner Hat into a nationwide company within just two years, continuing to work diligently until his retirement.

Following retirement, David enjoyed living in Destin, Florida, before returning to Vidalia and Augusta to be closer to his family. He truly cherished his retirement years.

Feeling called to ministry in his later years, David became chapter president of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, served on its state and national Board of Directors, and was active with planning the Men’s Christian Retreat at Rock Eagle. He also had a deep love for music and served faithfully as Minister of Music at Riverfront Church in North Augusta, South Carolina, for more than 15 years.

David is survived by his son, James Michael (Denita) Turner Sr., and daughter, Suzanne (Chris) Reeves, both of Vidalia, Georgia. He was a proud grandfather to Whitney Turner Burkett and James Michael “Jamey” (Brittney) Turner Jr. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren—James Michael “Jameson” Turner III, Nash Turner, Emi Grace Burkett, and Stevie Kate Turner—who brought him great joy.

A memorial service will be held Saturday morning, October 11th, 2025, at 11:00 in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Cook officiating. Burial will follow later at First Baptist Church of Crawfordville.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 until just prior to the service. 

David will be remembered for his faith, kindness, humor, and unwavering love for the Georgia Bulldogs. In his later years, you would rarely find him wearing anything other than red and black. In honor of his memory, guests are encouraged to wear red, black, or Georgia Bulldog colors or attire when attending his service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of James David Turner to Vidalia Church of God (Children’s Ministry), 401 Adams St., Vidalia, GA 30474.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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