Obituary of Nathaniel Snead Turner, III

Nathaniel Snead Turner, III, age 90, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on July 26, 2022. He was born in Covington, Georgia on October 24, 1931 to the late Nathaniel Snead Turner, Jr. and Martha Burney Turner. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth Elliott Turner; son, Nathaniel Snead Turner, IV (Ellen), Cashiers, NC, daughter, Margaret Turner Wessinger (Samuel), Atlanta; four grandchildren, Nathaniel Snead Turner, V (Allie), New York, NY, and Cashiers, NC, Elizabeth English Turner (Luke Finney), Park City, UT, Katherine Joel Wessinger, and Charles Samuel Wessinger, both of Atlanta; two great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Snead Turner, VI and Willa Jo Turner; sister, Sarah Turner Simkins (Leroy), Augusta, and brother Frank Burney Turner, Sr. (Kay) of Covington. Nat grew up in Covington, was a graduate of Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN (1950) and Georgia Institute of Technology (1954) with a degree in textile engineering. He was a member of the Georgia Phi Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Following service in the U.S Naval Reserve from 1954-1957, he began his business career with Milliken & Company and retired in 1996 after 39 years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville Kiwanis Club, the Palaver Club, board member of Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, and a charter member of Lakeview Academy and served as President of its Booster Club. A serious student of America’s Civil War and the Reconstruction Period, Nat was editor of his great-grandfather, Samuel A. Burney’s letters, published in A Southern Soldier’s Letters Home. Even in his failing health, Nat could be seen with a physics or astronomy book by his side, always continuing his pursuit of lifelong learning. Known for his keen sense of humor and amazing intellect, Nat was a kind and gracious Southern gentleman, who served as an inspiration to all who knew him. He loved his family deeply and was exceptionally proud of his children and grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Nat’s loving caregivers, Kia and Rod Gordon and the staff of Pruitt Hospice. The Turner family is very grateful for their wonderful care. A visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Turner family home in Gainesville, Georgia. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eagle Ranch at https://eagleranch.org. Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega is assisting the family.