Billy Gene Turner

Billy Gene Turner, 86, of Moultrie, Georgia, departed this earthly life on August 11, 2026.

 A celebration of life will be held at the First Methodist Church Chapel in Moultrie, Georgia, on August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.

Billy was born on July 12, 1940, to parents Robert Lee Turner and Eula Lee (Miller) Turner – the last of six children. Billy was always proud of his heritage and being born to parents who raised their family during the Great Depression and in the Moultrie Church of the Nazarene. He was taught the values of life, faith in God, and hard work– which resulted in a blessed life with family and friends.

Billy met the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Thompson) Turner, in Moultrie, and together they built a beautiful life over 64 years of marriage. Side by side, they raised a family, built a business, traveled, and faithfully supported one another through every season and each other’s many interests. Although his career in the grocery industry spanned 49 years, he was able to hold on to some of the traditions of days gone by. He was able to teach his children and grandchildren (whom he loved from the depths of his heart) the ways of life before the ways of today's living. The art of producing sugar cane syrup is one of the most remembered.

In addition to love of family, Billy’s other passion was good bird dogs and the pursuit of the bobwhite quail. Having bird dogs throughout his life, he proudly remembered one special English Pointer that resulted in him becoming acquainted with his other family, the Normans of Quailridge Plantation. This resulted in many years of association with the Normans and handling a number of good pointing dogs as well as becoming friends with guests from many places in our great country.

In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his brother, Robert (Bobby) Turner; and sisters, Joyce Wimberly, Thelma Bailey, Grace Certain and Margorie Smith. He was also preceded in death by his brother from a different mother and father, Ronald Beasley.

Survivors are his loving wife of 64 years, Barbara Ann (Thompson) Turner; daughters, Melanie Ann Rykard (Stephen) and Twila Dawn Price (Jamie); son, Michael G. Turner; grandchildren, Rebecca Rykard Lovett (Andrew), Alden Rykard O’Kelley (Kip) and William Turner Rykard (Chloe); great-grandchildren, Samuel Turner Lovett, Eliza Ann Lovett, Kathryn Barbara O’Kelley and Huel “Mac” O’Kelley; additionally, many nieces and nephews. Billy also treasured the friendships he shared with Larry Worn, his cousin Mike Cox, and Jim Hancock.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.