John Wayne Turnbull

John Wayne Turnbull went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 9, 2024. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Weyman Dickens Turnbull and Mary Geraldine Young Turnbull. He was born September 27, 1947, in Athens, Georgia. He graduated from Oconee County High School with honors in 1965, from the University of Georgia in 1970 with a B.S. in Chemistry and in 1975 with an M.B.A. He started working part time at age 16 for the U.S.D.A. at Southern Piedmont Conservation Research Center in Watkinsville and became fulltime in 1970. He started working for the Environmental Protection Agency in Athens, GA, in 1980 and retired in 2008 with 40 plus years as a federal employee.

His community service included serving as Chair of the Oconee Library Board that built an addition to the prior Oconee Library building. He served on the Oconee Solid Waste Committee that developed the recycle and solid waste disposal plan for Oconee County. He was the Coordinator for the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration on 1976. He served on the Oconee County Alumni Association as Vice Chair and as Director.

He was active in the Oconee County Lions Club for over 40 years serving as President, Vice President, Secretary, District Officer and Zone Chair. While serving he was awarded the Melvin Jones Award, the International Presidents Award for Outstanding Service and the Lion of the Year for the Oconee Club.

Wayne loved the Lord and was always active in church, serving as SS Superintendent and Deacon at the Bishop Christian Church. At Watkinsville First United Methodist Church, he served as Chair of the Church Council, Co-chair of the Trustees, Financial Secretary on the Finance Committee and was a Sunday School teacher for the youth.

Wayne also loved UGA football, going to games as early as 11 years old when he was a Boy Scout. He attended games throughout his college career, becoming a season ticket holder during his adult life, taking friends and family to games and cheering on his beloved Bulldogs.

He was an active member in the Oconee County Foster Parent Association after fostering four beautiful girls who became his beloved daughters.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Nancy Nutt Turnbull, his children, Cheryl McDowell Dean (Dennis), Frances Lynn Sayer, Loretta Lynn Turnbull and Crystal Gale Henchel and nine grandchildren, Mackenzie Diane Dean, Macie Denise Dean, Christopher Anthony Seaman, Tristan Alan Seaman, Brandi Lalage Seaman, Sierra Victoria Henchel, Elizabeth Ruth Henchel, Wyatt Hawkins Bridges and Hailey Nicole Bridges. He is also survived by his brother, Joe David Turnbull (Sarah) of Ozark, Alabama, and eleven nephews and nieces and two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law and their spouses and numerous cousins and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11AM at Watkinsville First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5PM until 7PM Friday, August 16, 2024 at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted or donations in memory of Mr. Turnbull may be made to the Oconee Lions Club, P.O. Box 871, Watkinsville, GA 30677, Watkinsville First United Methodist Church, 1331 New High Shoals Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677 or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington DC 20090.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com