Mr. William Leonard Turner, beloved Christian, educator, mentor, author, and pillar of the Epworth community passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Blue Ridge, Georgia. William was born the 4th child (and only son) of Earl and Louise Turner.

He is pre-deceased by his parents and his significant other, Shirley Stanley, and his brother-in-law, Ben Russell Turner. He lived his entire life in the homeplace next to the Methodist Church in Epworth.

William had many passions in his life. He loved with a passion his sisters: Clara Denton, Betty Turner, Wanda Adams (Mickey), and Shirley Turner who survive him. His happiest days were the times he spent with his sisters. William loved his church family, Epworth UMC, from his earliest days and has been called the most active and hard-working member for many years. He served several offices there, including Treasurer for many years.

William graduated from West Fannin High School and attended Young Harris College. Subsequent to YHC he graduated from Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, with a B.B.A. in Business Education, earned the M. Ed. Degree from University of Georgia, Athens and the Sp. Ed degree from University of West Georgia in Carrollton.

Mr. Turner had a long and successful career as a teacher in the field of Business Education. He taught thirty years at Gilmer County High School and night school at Pickens Technical College in Jasper, GA and Toccoa Falls College in Epworth, GA. William felt a responsibility to provide his students, not just what was in a textbook. He showed his students a window to their future, especially in the world of work. He wanted his students to take responsibility in their present and future lives. William became a mentor and guide for many of his students. He was frequently listed as a reference by his students on their higher education and job applications.

William authored two books: FACE TO FACE WITH COUNTRY: A Diary of interviews with the Superstars of the 70s, 80s, and 90s and COOOKING UP COUNTRY: A Collection of Recipes Prepared for County Music's Top Stars on the Road. He was awarded membership in the Country Music Association (CMA) by Steve Moore, Chair of the Board in 2011.

William passionately loved his friends. Wherever he went he made new friends, but he always came home to Epworth to his lifelong friends whom he cherished. He remembered his many friends with Christmas cards annually, phone calls regularly, and visits when he was able. He had a zest for life and even in his last days he talked about the many projects in the Epworth community he wanted to help complete. His memory will be eternal in the Epworth community and among his countless friends.

Memorial services were held Saturday, April 26, 2025, 1:00 pm, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 585 Madola Rd. Epworth, GA 30541. A reception was held in the Alexander Haren Memorial Hall at Epworth United Methodist Church following the service. Cremains will be interred at the Epworth Baptist Church Cemetery in a private family service later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Epworth United Methodist Church - Turner Park Endowment Fund - at P. O. Box 163 Epworth, GA 30541.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of these arrangements.