Jack Turnage

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Thursday, February 16, 2023, Colonel John O’Neill “Jack” Turnage (USA RET), age 83, husband of 29 years to Helen Daniel Turnage. He was a brother to Benjamin Whitfield Turnage, and a father to four children: John O’Neill Turnage, Jr, Annalyle Turnage Andrews, Emilie Bennett McCombs and the late Taylor Whitfield Turnage (2020). Papa was also a grandfather to 11 wonderful grandchildren.

Jack was born in Colon, Panama in 1939. He was the son of MG Benjamin O. Turnage, Jr. (USA RET) and Adelaide O’Neill Plumb, and lived and served throughout the United States and abroad—over 30 places in his lifetime. Jack earned his bachelor’s degree from The United States Military Academy at West Point in 1961 and a master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in 1976. Jack retired from the Army in 1985 as a Colonel after serving a distinguished 24 year career. He was a Ranger and both a fixed and rotary wing pilot, finishing his time on active duty as Commanding Officer, Aviation Development Test Activity. Jack was a Project Manager and Test Pilot when the US Army transitioned from the UH-1 Huey to the UH-60 Blackhawk, and served two tours in Vietnam. During his career, he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal w/10 Oak Leaf Clusters. He worked for a short while after his time on active duty for the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company as Manager of their St. Louis Operations before coming to Augusta in 1994, where he started a payroll company with his wife, Helen. Jack was a true gentleman who will be remembered for his love for Helen, his sense of humor, his precision model-building skills, and his ability to be instantly liked by those around him.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 12:00 noon at St Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Ross celebrant, Fr David Arnoldt preaching. Inurnment will follow at the church columbarium. The family will receive Monday, from 11:30 AM until the time of the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Mary on the Hill Catholic School: 1220 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA. 30904 or Aquinas High School, 1920 Highland Ave, Augusta, Ga 30904

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com