Charles Gaylon Turnage Obituary (1935

Mr. Charles Gaylon Turnage, age 79, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2014, at his home in Bells, TN. He leaves behind a significant legacy as a business owner, prominent leader in the community, and beloved family member and friend. Gaylon was born on January 15, 1935, in Maury City, TN, and held various jobs from a young age, establishing his lifelong belief in the power of hard work and perseverance. He opened Turnage Auto Savage in 1955, which remained in business for 42 years. He also started the Jackson Drag Way in 1978 and Jackson Auto Salvage in 1982. During his early years in business, Gaylon was an active supporter of the Boy and Girl Scouts and served as president of the West Tennessee Okra Festival. He was a former member of the Maury City, Alamo, and Bells Lions Clubs, the Bells Jaycees, and Crockett County Chamber of Commerce. In 1983, Gaylon was elected president of the Alamo Rotary Club and initiated changing the charter to include all of Crockett County. He also served as president of both the Great Memphis Salvage Dealers Association and Tennessee Salvage Dealers Association. Gaylon was very active in politics his entire life and led the Crockett County campaign for Governor Ray Blanton and President Jimmy Carter. More recently, he served as a county commissioner from 2002 until his death and worked to improve safety on Highway 412. Gaylon was a member of Bells First United Church for many years, where he participated on various committees. Alamo First United Methodist was his home church later in life. Gaylon was preceded in death by his parents: Cecil Garland Turnage and Faye Evelyn Gibbons Turnage. He is survived by his wife: Debra Haynes Turnage, his children: Barry Turnage, Ronnie "Pete" Turnage (Dean), Randy Turnage, Chris Turnage (Leigh), Gaylynn Turnage Lynch (Jesse), and Charles Turnage (Jada); his step daughter: Dawn East Ing (William); his brother: Franklin Turnage (Becky); seven grandchildren: Casey Ward, Tristan Turnage Krenek (Jonathan) and Nicholas Turnage (Kylie), Avery Turnage, Connor and Brandon Lynch, and Allie Ing; and four great grandchildren: Brinley and Kipton Krenek, Jamison Turnage, and Steely Ward. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Belleview Cemetery in Bells. There will be a visitation Monday, September 22, 2014 5-8 pm at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.