Bobby Jon Turnage (December 23, 1933 – September 8, 2021)

Visitation: Friday, September 24, 2021
Visitation Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Visitation Location: Postell’s Mortuary Chapel
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida

Service Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Postell’s Mortuary Chapel
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida

Obituary:

Bobby Jon Turnage, 87, of Glenn Dale, MD entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, surrounded by family. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Bobby was born on December 23, 1933 to the late Ruby Samuel and Louis Turnage. He was raised in a large and loving family of four sisters and five brothers: Williard (Cheese) Scott, Louis Calhoun, Alphonso Turnage, Leon Turnage, Mercedes Brown, Claretha Nelson, Thelma Evan and Mavis Walcott. Bobby was a smart, resourceful, mischievous, and ambitious man. He attended Jones High School in Orlando, FL until the 10th grade when he left due to hardship and earned his GED. Bobby worked for many years to support himself and his family before joining the military in his early 20’s.

In 1955, Bobby enlisted in the United States Army, where he continued his education and served his country in the U.S. and abroad. In 1965 he returned to civilian life in Orlando, FL where he met and married Rose Jackson, becoming a father to his first child.

It was in the subsequent years that Bobby experienced one of the most profound changes of his life. He gave his life to Jesus and became a devout follower of Christ. Through his involvement in church, he later met his surviving wife, Mary, of 50 years, who blessed him with four children. Bobby’s goal for his family was to raise children that would have education, opportunities and access in life that were beyond his own. Bobby was blessed to embark on a career and Christian journey that allowed him to achieve these ideals.

For the bulk of his professional career, Bobby was employed at Florida Gas Transmission where he was certified as a pipeline engineer. He enjoyed the challenges of this career which blended two of his many talents: strong mechanical skills and problem-solving. He took advantage of the company’s family-friendly environment, periodically bringing his children to work with him during his overnight shifts as a special treat. He continued working for the company for more than 25 years until his retirement in 1990.

Throughout his life, Bobby dedicated himself to providing a strong Christian foundation for his family. He spent most of his life serving as a pastor, preaching the gospel from the pulpit, ministering to those in prison, and talking about the goodness of God to anyone who would listen. He touched the lives of many people through this ministry, and his walk with Christ remained a core part of his life until he took his rest.

It was no secret how much Bobby loved the Lord and his family. He lived out his retirement sharing time between Florida and Maryland where he was able to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Bobby was a proud husband, father of five children, and grandfather of seven grandchildren. He leaves behind an adoring wife, Mary Turnage; sister, Mavis Walcott; five children, Rhonda Turnage, Daryl Turnage, Mark Turnage, Tammy Turnage Colandrea, and Valerie Barnes; and seven grandchildren, Lauryn Turange, Lailah Turnage, Dylan Turnage, Jayden Turnage, Ruby Colandrea, Giuseppe Colandrea, Tamia Barnes, and many nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful extended family and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 4-6PM at the mortuary. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, 11:00AM at Postell’s Mortuary Chapel, Orlando. Interment: Washington Park Cemetery, Orlando.