James Elliott "Eddie" Turner

A heart for music is a gift and those fortunate enough to receive that gift are in return a blessing to others. Eddie 'Dumplin' Turner was born with that gift and nurtured it throughout his life. Eddie began his work career in the trucking industry before finding his true calling with ABC Roofing Supply. His knowledge of the business, his easygoing personality, and strong people skills served him well. These skills allowed him to rise to the position of Managing Partner within the company and to earn many awards and accolades in Asheville, North Carolina - nestled in the mountains that he loved so very much. Although his career was of extreme importance, he never gave up his love of music. Eddie discovered his gift of music, and love for music, at a young age while playing guitar in a small family band mostly doing gospel music. His stepmother and siblings regularly played and sang, and this instilled in him the strong desire to be involved. He performed in many local groups growing up, including gospel and country, but Eddie found his true calling in the genre of Bluegrass. He spent most of his adult life involved in a Bluegrass band - Brush Fire - that he helped form at age 20. With the exception of short stints when his job took him away, he performed with the group from 1977 until his health would not allow him to continue. His talent on mandolin, guitar, and vocals contributed greatly to the success and longevity of the group. Brush Fire released 5 recordings over the life of the group, traveled over the southeastern U S as well as to Oloron-Saint-Marie, France, to participate in the Pyrenees Folklore Festival in 1990. The group was also involved in the founding of the International Bluegrass Music Association. Over its life, the band performed at many hundreds, maybe thousands, of events of all kinds from churches to arts events, charity functions etc. Eddie will be missed by the Bluegrass community. His musical contributions were great, and the name 'Dumplin' will be remembered. The funeral will be Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 2 p.m. at McKoon Chapel located at 38 Jackson St, Newnan, GA 30263. Visitations will be Wednesday August 16th from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. and Thursday August 17 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McKoon Funeral Home. Eddie is survived by his precious puppy Dorie; Mama Tina (Christine Nichols); Sister Tracey Denham (James); son Stanley Turner (Tosha); Grandson Hunter Turner; Stepdaughter Sarah Boyd Smith, (Carrol O.); Stepsons Courtney Boyd, Aaron Bradley Boyd, Nathaniel Tyler Boyd, Arthur Jeffrey Durham; Step-grandkids Toma Alexander Kish, Summer Boyd, Ethan Boyd, Autumn Boyd, Zoe Boyd; Aunts; Uncles; Nieces; Nephews; Cousins; Great friend Vickie Entrekin Rudisill; Caregiver and companion Rev. Judith Barnett; and friends too numerous to count. Eddie was pre-deceased by his wife Shelley King Turner; parents Frank Turner and Barbara Gilley Turner; grandparents Fred Turner and Alice Gowins Turner; Sister Teresa Turner Luckie; and Brother David Turner. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Eddie's name to, The International Bluegrass Music Association Trust Fund https://ibma.org/bluegrass-trust-fund/; The Appalachian Trail Conservancy https://bit.ly/3qw60Xx, or the charity of your choice. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

James Elliott "Eddie" Turner

December 16, 1957 - August 12, 2023