‘Otis’ Turpin (5-9-12)

GILLSVILLE - George 'Otis' Turpin, 86, passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at the Embracing Hospice Medical Facility in Cumming, following an extended illness brought on by dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

He was born on April 29, 1926, in Jackson County, the son of the late Verlon and Buleah Veal Turpin.

Survivors include his wife, Nervie Dale Turpin; sister, Lelia Turpin Redmond, Maysville; sons and daughters-in-law, Ray and Pat Turpin, Gillsville, Roy and Betty Turpin, Gillsville, and Steve and Kathy Turpin, Homer; daughter and son-in-law, Dwayne and Tina Crocker, Gillsville; grandchildren, Chad and Tammy Turpin, Clermont, David and Sandy Salyers, Gillsville, Jody and Missy Freeman, Lula, Russ and Jennifer Turpin, Fort Meyers, Fla., Chris Turpin, Gainesville, Brandon and Samantha Crocker, Gillsville, Abby Turpin, Athens, and Jessica Crocker, Gillsville; and nine great-grandchildren.

He took great pride in his grandchildren - so much so, that when each was born he bestowed a special nickname to each.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Edgar Turpin and Otha Turpin; and sisters, Eloise Turpin Brown and Sybil Grindle.

His family, large as it may be, wouldn't be complete without mentioning his beloved extended family - he and Nervie have made many special friends, have many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was a pillar of the Gillsville community - and will be missed by all.
A loving husband, a doting father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Otis was an avid farmer and an active member of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Gillsville, Georgia. For years, Otis prided himself in making his home and surrounding grounds a tourist stop during the Christmas season - decorating his home with lights and having 'Santa' come visit for the kids throughout the Gillsville community.

Loved by many, his personality and kind offerings to the people surrounding him will live on in the hearts and minds of his wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Pawpaw will be missed - but 'aye, Lord, what a day' it will be when we get to see him again!

The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Ivie Funeral Home in Commerce. Funeral services are scheduled for 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Gillsville. He will lie in state at the church from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Revs. Ray Turpin, Darryl Womack and Tim Strickland will officiate, with interment at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.