James Louis “Teenie" Turnage, 86, of New Hebron, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. James was born in 1938 to Albert Turnage Sr. and Edelle Davis Turnage in New Hebron, Mississippi. He was nicknamed “Teenie” by his brother, and was remembered as such by nearly everyone from that small town.
Growing up, he played football for New Hebron High School before he first married and started a family with four children in New Hebron. He served in the Mississippi Nation Guard and was federalized for the integration of Ole Miss. Ever working to improve himself, he chased his career to Atlanta, Georgia, and, later, El Paso, Texas, where he met his loving wife of 45 years and welcomed his final child. Making his way back to his hometown, he spent the majority of his time farming. His favorite crops included watermelons, peanuts, and tomatoes, the later of which he grew until his final summer. He loved Ole Miss football and researching his interests. His final summer vacation focused on his most recent interest, Billy the Kid, and took James to the place of The Kid's escape in Lincoln, New Mexico and the site of his demise in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
James was an honest and hard-working man. Firm in his beliefs, you never had to wonder where he stood.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Albert “Sonny” Turnage Jr. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Turnage; his children, Teresa Roberts (Errol), Melinda Morgan (Tim), Sondra “Christie” Miller, Jim Turnage (Sherry), and Will Turnage (Jeannie); 10 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
James will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. We find comfort in knowing his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us and the love he shared. His memory will be cherished forever.
The family will hold a private service at a later date.
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