Mr. James I. Turlington Jr., age 86 of the Meeks Community of Adrian, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, September 23, 2026 at the Treutlen County Health and Rehabilitation Center with his family by his side.

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he was the only child born to the late James L. Turlington Sr. and Agnes Geneva McCullars Turlington. He was a graduate of the Dan McCarty High School, Class of 1956 in Ft. Pierce, Florida. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving with Patrol Squadron Eighteen. Upon completing four years of active duty, he transferred to the Reserves where he served until being honorably discharged in 1962.

At the time of his discharge, he obtained his pilot’s license, which for him launched a thirty year career as a Crop Duster. He became well known and provided crop dusting services throughout the states of Georgia, Texas, Louisiana and South Carolina. In his early 50s, he retired from crop dusting and became an Owner / Operator Truck Driver delivering containers until retiring at the age of sixty two. He settled in Nevels, GA until moving to Adrian in the mid 2000s.

Mr. Turlington had been a member of the Church of God International.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by: his wife, Marie Turlington and his son in law, Brian Griffith.

He leaves behind: his children, Renee Emily Griffith, Derrell “DeRon” Turlington (Christa), all of Dunnellon, Forida, grandchildren, Shaun Griffith, Ashley Griffith, Jeb Underhill, Clay Turlington, Samanatha McManus (Craig), great grandchildren, Emmett Griffith, Rex Griffith, Jeb Underhill Jr., Jossie Underhill, Zoe Underhill, Logan Underhill, Gabriel McManus, Leah McManus, Taylor McManus, Kiara Witherspoon and Kyla Witherspoon.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 , on Friday, September 25, 2026 from the graveside in Mt. Olive Nazarene Cemetery, as he is laid to rest beside his wife.

Officiating will be Deacon J. Pye.

His family will receive friends at the graveside.

Please share a memory, leave a condolence message and sign the online guest register book at www.sammonsfunerlahome.com

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