Funeral services for Billy Edward "Bill" Turpin, 91, of Demorest, were held Saturday, July 10, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Mr. Bradley Cook officiating. Interment followed in Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Grant Reeves Veterans Honor Guard, as well as Masonic Rites provided by the Cornelia Masonic Lodge No. 92 F&AM.
Mr. Turpin passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021.
Born Nov. 27, 1929, in Washington, he was a son of the late Stan and Lillie Turpin Carpenter. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers, Stan Carpenter Jr. and Charles Turpin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ethel and Warren Lovett, Florence and Carter Cook and Bonnie and Edward Powell.
Mr. Turpin was a U.S. Navy veteran and was a retired Epidemiologist with the State of Georgia with 34 years of service. He was a member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge No. 92 F&AM and the Yaarab Shrine Temple. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, who was especially fond of his grandchildren. He enjoyed being outdoors, working in the yard and with his horses. He also enjoyed his Harley Davidson motorcycle and riding it in the Demorest parade. Mr. Turpin had some personal quirks that he was notorious for, which included wiggling his ears, getting a suntan, and making sure that his family used proper grammar.
Survivors include wife of 41 years, Ann Lynch Turpin of Demorest; sons and daughters-in-law, Tony Turpin of Demorest, and Tracy and Edita Stewart of Oakwood; daughter, Carmen Turpin Westbrook of Dawsonville; grandchildren, Andy Payne (Amber), Dakota Blair (Lisa), Lauren Davis (Justin), Lily Turpin, Josie Turpin and Kari Kastner (Adam); 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda Standard and Sarah Huff, both of Washington; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the healthcare workers who assisted with Mr. Turpin's care during his illness and decline.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia was in charge of arrangements.
The Northeast Georgian
July 14, 2021