N.U. Turpen, Jr., age 90 of Cleveland, Georgia formerly of Clarkesville, passed away on Sunday, July 02, 2017 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness.
Born in Tallulah Falls, Georgia on September 06, 1926, he was a son of the late N.U. Turpen, Sr. & Drucilla Williams Turpen. Mr. Turpen served his country proudly in the United States Navy during WWII, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and retired with 22 years of dedicated service. After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Turpen worked for North Georgia Technical College for 16 years. He also volunteered for many years with the Habersham Medical Center and was a life-member of the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720 as well as the White County Honor Guard. In his spare time, Mr. Turpen enjoyed gardening and was an avid golf player. He was a member of the Mossy Creek United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Bea Smith Turpen, brother, Arles Turpen, sisters, Martha Pasternak, Evelyn Hale, Carolyn Bowden, Agnes Calfee, & Lucille Roberts.
Survivors include loving wife of 21 years, Annette Allen Turpen of Cleveland, GA; sons & daughters-in-law, Terry & Ginger Jennings of Lawrenceville, GA; Wesley & Becky Turpen of Clarkesville, GA; daughter & son-in-law, Laura & Walter Matlock of Clarkesville, GA; step-son, Blake Allen of Cleveland, GA; grandchildren, Ashley Cartwright, Matt Jennings, Mallory Turpen, Madeline Turpen, Langston “Brady” Turpen, Josh Allen, great-grandchildren, Sarah & Hannah Cartwright, Easton & Stella Jennings, Piper Allen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.
Private family graveside memorial services will be held.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all memorial donations be made in memory of N.U. Turpen, Jr. to the White County Honor Guard, 1141 Charlie Thomas Road, Cleveland, Georgia 30528 or to Mossy Creek United Methodist Church, 2154 Post Road, Cleveland, Georgia 30528.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
