Carl P. Turlington

Carl P. Turlington, 92, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, January 01, 2014, at NFRMC after an extended illness. He was born in Madison County, Florida and lived in Gainesville the past 62 years. Growing up he well earned the nickname "Tig" for "Tiger" and his fearless disposition. After graduation from Madison County High School, he attended the University of Florida before enlisting in the US Army during WWII. During WWII he served in the US Army Signal Corp attached to the 924th Aviation Engineer Regiment as a communications specialist stationed in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. After the war he continued to exercise his telegraphy skills as a ticket agent and shipping manager for the Coastline Railroad, working over 17 years in Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs, Newberry, and Cross City. Until the time of his death he was still able to read and send Morse code, a skill he kept active as a ham radio operator. In 1958, Carl went into the insurance and real estate business, operating out of his home briefly until he built offices on NW 6th Street. He was the first Nationwide agent in Gainesville and the fourth in the state of Florida, and during his career he won numerous sales awards for his production with Nationwide. Carl Turlington Real Estate, Inc. was incorporated at that time and continues to operate as a third generation company at the offices he founded. In addition to his other business interests, Carl was also a licensed general contractor, building homes in the area. After retirement from the insurance business in 1987, Carl worked with his son Tobie, helping in Tobie's hay and cattle operation. About the same time, Carl began to seriously hone his skills as a harmonica player. He found and brought great joy to others entertaining all who would listen as he and his band, "Second Wind" played in churches, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Carl also served the Lord as a charter member of Northwest Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and in numerous other capacities. Carl was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Muriel Whitty Turlington; his father, Emory Turlington; his mother Amanda Turlington; his stepmother, Navy Turlington; brothers Milton and Carson Turlington, sister Frances Hobby, and granddaughter Kelly Amanda Kaswinkel. He is survived by his sister Robbie Anders (Nelson); 4 children: Dale E. Turlington (Susan), Carlene Harmon (James), Tobie B. Turlington (Carolyn), and Patti Kaswinkel (John); and by 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Northwest Baptist Church, 5514 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville with visitation 1 hour prior from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at the Church. Interment will follow in Forest Meadows Memorial Park Central, 4100 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Northwest Baptist Church or Friends of Children of North Central Florida at FOCNCF, P.O. Box 358502, Gainesville FL 32635-8502.

Carl P. Turlington

January 2, 2014