David Baker Turnage

Birth Date: 07/13/1945
Deceased Date: 08/13/2025

David B. Turnage, age 80, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at SECU Hospice House of Smithfield. David was born in Johnston County on July 13, 1945, to the late H.S. and Ethel B. Turnage. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jeanette W. Turnage, and a sister, Arnette T. Johnson of Four Oaks. 

David is survived by a son, Allen Turnage, and wife Michelle, a daughter, Nona T. Jenkins, and husband Bryan along with his grandchildren; Addilee T. Corbett, husband Marcus, Kathryn Jenkins, Makenna Turnage, Coy Turnage, Luke Jenkins, great-grandson, Breece Allen and his siblings Sarah Mills, Henry “Buck” Turnage, and Tom Turnage. He also leaves behind a special friend, Judy Pate, and her loving family, who welcomed him into their family as one of their own.  

David retired from BellSouth with 35 years of service. In addition, he served with the U.S. Army and National Guard for 30 years, retiring as a Command SGT Major and the NCO Commandant for the NCMA. David was a past master of the Selma Masonic Lodge No. 320 with 50-plus years of service to the craft. David was the co-founder of Al Batten and the Bluegrass Reunion and played the guitar for over 40 years with Al prior to his passing. David was an active member of the Selma Fire Department and was serving as the Vice Chair for the Wilson’s Mills Fire and Rescue Department. David was a gentleman farmer who loved to see his crops grow around the farm. With all of David’s accomplishments and activities, he was best as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a good friend to all he knew.  

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 3:00p.m. at Wilson’s Mills Baptist Church. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. before the service. 

Flowers are appreciated, memorials are encouraged and may be sent to the SECU Hospice House at 426 Hospital Rd. Smithfield NC, 27577.