Obituary of Joseph Reginald Turnage

COLUMBIA—Joseph Reginald Turnage passed away July 24, 2013. Born February 22, 1933 to Elbert and Geneva Turnage, he grew up in Cheraw and graduated from Cheraw High. After high school he joined the US Army and served for 8 years. Following active duty, he enrolled at the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1965. He retired from the SC Department of Social Services after 28 years. He had a generous heart and felt great satisfaction in helping those in need. Joe married Ann Truesdale in March 1955 in Columbia, SC. They were happily married for 58 years. He was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Joe was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He delighted in time with his family and enjoyed grilling in his back yard. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rachael Turnage Taylor. Joseph is survived by his spouse Ann Truesdale Turnage of Columbia, SC; his son Joseph Turnage, Jr. and granddaughters Alexandra Turnage and Sophia Turnage (of Yorktown, VA), daughter Cynthia Turnage Gerald and grandsons Walter Gerald, Jr. and Nicholas Gerald (of Taylors, SC), son Patrick Turnage and granddaughter Ann Alyce Turnage (of Columbia, SC), and great granddaughter Cara Piper Gerald (of Jackson, WY). A memorial service will be held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 2501 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC at Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet friends and relatives in the church fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.