Floyd Brinkling “Shorty” Turner, 85, of Tifton died Saturday, November 12, 2011, at Tift Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 14, 2011 in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. His son, Rev. Ray Turner, Rev. Jason Jones and Rev. Don Pirkle will officiate with burial to follow in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Employees of Tifton Auto Parts will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 13, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Turner was born on May 27, 1926 in Tift County and was the son of Eddie B. Turner and Francis Pitts Turner, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Shorty was a pioneer in the aftermarket automotive industry and was a United States Army veteran. He was the current Worshipful Master at Tifton Masonic Lodge #47, F&AM, member of the York rite, Tifton Council 58, Tifton Chapter #47, Coastal Plain Commander 42 and Hasan Shrine Temple in Albany. He was elected as the 2011 Mason of the Year, Tifton Lodge #47.
Mr. Turner is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mavis Goff Turner of Tifton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Floyd Ray and Kay Turner of Jacksonville, Florida and Don D. and Darlene Turner of Alapaha; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to New River Baptist Church Building Fund, 17 Old Brookfield Road, Tifton, GA 31794; or Hospice of Tiftarea, P. O. Box 747, Tifton, GA 31793.