Gary Turner

It is with deep sadness that the family of Gary Turner shares the news of his passing at home from a long battle with cancer on February 2, 2026, in Cumming, GA, at the age of 77.

Born the second son to John Smith Turner, Jr. and Avah Osborn Turner at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta on December 20, 1948, Gary grew up in the era of boys playing baseball from dawn to dusk. He lived that life to the fullest from age eight onwards. Gary graduated from Headland High in 1967 where he was a multi-sport athlete. He was an outstanding baseball player and at ABAC in Tifton one of his major highlights was pitching a perfect 10 inning ball game. He continued his education on a baseball scholarship at the University of Georgia, where he was a letterman and member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon his graduation in 1972 with a degree in Health and Physical Education, Gary was asked to lead the Phys. Ed. Department at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, which became one of his fondest and most rewarding memories. In 1974, he moved to Jacksonville, FL for a brief stay to pursue a career with Southern Bell/AT&T and returned to Atlanta where he excelled in the sales and marketing field. While at AT&T, Gary secured the communications contract for CNN World Headquarters in Atlanta in the early 1980s. He later established the first sales organization for MCI in Atlanta with incredible success. In the mid-1990s, he moved into the accounts receivable management industry. He retired as Senior Vice President from Financial Asset Management Systems (FAMS) in 2012. Gary enjoyed boating on Lake Lanier and was a member of White Columns Country Club where he golfed with his buddies as much as he possibly could.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John and Avah, his brother Johnny, and his nephew, Keith Turner. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Alice Williams Turner, and his beloved daughter, Heidi Turner, and her partner, Marco Mucci. He leaves behind his incredible sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, his wonderful nieces and nephews, and multiple great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at McDonald and Son Funeral Home in Cumming, GA. Visitation will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, from 6:00-8:00pm and the funeral service on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Donations may be made to: The Navy SEAL Foundation (navysealfoundation.org) or The University of Georgia Athletic Fund (gail.uga.edu/comm).

The Turner Family would like to thank Capstone Hospice for their care and support; and especially a heartfelt thank you to Jean Fortgang, RMP, for her love, kindness, and dedication.