Joseph Turner Mcgarity

Mr. Joseph ‘Turner’ McGarity, 83, of Colbert, passd away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, after many years of declining health.

Born on October 16, 1938, he was a son of the late J. Walton and Lucile Turner McGarity. Turner grew up in the Sandy Cross Community of Oglethorpe County and was a 1956 graduate of Oglethorpe County High School. Over the years, he enjoyed the many reunions and gatherings with his classmates.

On September 12, 1956, Turner married his devoted wife, Flora Gwendolyn Hall, of Elberton. They made their home in Sandy Cross until 1961 when, as a member of the Elberton National Guard, he was called to serve at Ft. Mead in Maryland. They lived in Laurel, Maryland for a year before returning to their home in Sandy Cross.

In 1966, Turner and Flora welcomed their son, Keith Turner, and in 1968, their daughter Tracy Renee. He was a loving father and taught his children they could do anything they set their mind to.

Turner worked for the Athens Hardware Company as a road salesman for 40 years. Not ready to retire, he worked at Saxon/Granite City Hardware in Elberton for 15 years. In the 1980s, Turner and Flora co-owned, with the late George and Sue Ellen Smith, Sandy Cross Grocery.

He loved his community and served on the Board of Directors for Rayle EMC and the former Citizens Banking Company in Lexington. Turner was a founding member of the Sandy Cross Volunteer Fire Department and was instrumental in promoting unity and progress among the volunteer fire departments in Oglethorpe County. He was a proud member of the Joppa Masonic Lodge in the Glade Community and participated at meetings with the Lexington and Elberton Masonic Lodges. In 2011, Turner was honored with 50 years of Masonic membership. He was a member of Sandy Cross Baptist Church.

Turner is preceded in death by his son, Keith, and is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Flora; daughter, Tracy Renee of Hull; son-in-law, David Coker of Comer; grandson, Cody Coker (Tara) of Ila; great-granddaughters: Amelia and Claire; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Elaine McGarity of Winterville; brother-in-law, Ronald Hall of Elberton; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The family extends their sincerest appreciation to Clint and Tammy Tiller, Stephen and Jordan Tiller, Hunter Tiller, the Madison County EMS, and the staff at Athens Renal Center for their friendship, care, and support.

Memorial services celebrating Turner’s life will be held on Sunday, May 1, at 4 o’clock at Sandy Cross Baptist Church with the Rev. Calvin Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in Sandy Cross Cemetery.

The family will greet friends from 3:00-3:45p.m. in the Sandy Cross Baptist Church Fellowship Hall just prior to the service.

Flowers are welcome and donations may be made in his memory to Sandy Cross Baptist Church.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Joseph ‘Turner’ McGarity.