George Cobb Turner Jr., 67, of St. Marys passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017, at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.
Born May 1, 1950, in Atlanta, he was the son of the late George Cobb Turner Sr. and the late Gladys Swint Turner.
George, known as Sonny by his family and childhood friends, will be remembered for his determination, tenacity and devotion to public service. He was an Eagle Scout, captain of his high school tennis team and state champion debater. George graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and religion from the University of Georgia in 1972. He continued his studies at DePaul University, where he earned an Master of Arts degree in philosophy.
George received his juris doctor degree with honors from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in 1981. He was in private practice as an attorney in Bremen for several years before becoming assistant district attorney for the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit. He was appointed district attorney for that circuit by Gov. Zell Miller in 1990, where he served through 1994.
George came to Camden County as assistant district attorney in January 1995. As Camden County's chief prosecutor for 12 years, he tried serious crimes and was a courageous defender of the law and a dauntless advocate for justice for the victims of crime and their loved ones. He finished his career as judge of the Camden County Juvenile Court from 2007 to 2013, where he played a critical role in the lives of the community's most vulnerable children.
George fought leukemia and the complications related to a stem-cell transplant for six years with courage, dignity and faith. He strived to be a good and faithful servant to his Lord all his life, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and chair of the finance committee for the First Baptist Church of Bremen and as a Gideon. He was a member of St. Marys United Methodist Church.
George married his high school sweetheart, Eileen Simmons, in 1973. His beloved daughter, Lauren, was born in 1976. He was a lifelong reader whose tastes extended from Aristotle to Phillip K. Dick. George loved adventures and the outdoors. He was an avid sailor, scuba and cave diver, motorcycle rider and, after retirement, hiker and camper. Two highlights of his life were hiking the Grand Canyon and winning the Endurance Cup of the St. Simon's — Charleston Sailing Race after a harrowing 16 hours at sea. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Eileen Simmons Turner of St. Marys; daughter, Lauren Simmons Turner of New York, N.Y.; and brother, Dan Turner (Cheryle) of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at St. Marys United Methodist Church with Pastor Dale Thornton, the Honorable Stephen Kelley and the Honorable Amanda Williams officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to services. An inurnment will be held at a later date in Bremen.
The family requests contributions in memory of George C. Turner Jr. be made to CASA Camden/Glynn Counties, P.O. Box 145, Brunswick, GA 31521.
Allison Memorial Chapel and Funeral Home of St. Marys is in charge of arrangements.