Robert Turlington

Robert Lee Turlington, 94, of 434 McLamb Rd, Coats died peacefully October 3, 2016 at his home.  A Service of Celebration and Praise will be 3:00 PM - Thursday at the Coats Baptist Church in Coats. Officiating will be Revs. Jesse Mooney and L. Jack Glasgow, Jr. Burial will follow in Harnett Devotional Gardens with Military Honors.                 He was born in Harnett County to the late Lee and Lida (Lassiter) Turlington and lived all of his life in the Coats community.  He was married to Mary (Capps) Turlington for 67 years.  Robert was a dedicated Christian, and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He proudly served his country in the Army during World War II.  He farmed for nearly 40 years, and later worked for the North Carolina Department of Corrections for 16 years before retiring in 1984.  He was a member of Coats Baptist Church for more than 70 years, and a Deacon and Assistant Church Treasurer for many years.               Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Capps) Turlington, daughter, Sue (Turlington) Clayton, parents Lee and Lida (Lassiter) Turlington, and four sisters – Shirley Turlington, Sarah Turlington, Ruby (Turlington) Currin, and Emily (Turlington) Weaver.  He is survived by his son, Joe Turlington and wife Lalia of Wendell, N.C., and son-in-law, C. T. Clayton of Coats.  He was granddaddy to four grandchildren – Meredith Turlington Pait (Roger), Lee Turlington, Tyrus Clayton (Nikki), and Troy Clayton (Christy) – and 11 great grandchildren – Daniel, Luke, Tyler, Gabriella, Caleb, Sophie, Chloe, Garrett, Andrew, A.C., and Brianna.  He is also survived by a sister, Addie (Turlington) Young of Advance, NC, and a brother, Graham Turlington of Coats.  He will be missed by many special nieces and nephews.             The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Jutta Turlington, a wonderful, kind, and generous friend and neighbor, and four special caregivers – Tina McDowell, Pearl Ford, Clara Lou Byrd, and Linda Jones – who have so lovingly cared for Robert in recent years.             The family will receive friends 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM prior to the service on Thursday in the fellowship hall of Coats Baptist Church and other times at the home.             Flowers are welcome; however, memorials may be sent to Liberty Hospice, 105 Hunt Valley Drive, Dunn, NC 28334 or to the Coats Senior Center, PO Box 366, Coats, NC 27521