David (Dave) Martin Turner

Mr. David (Dave) Martin Turner, beloved husband of the late Rena Turner, entered into rest on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 4 in the Belair Road Chapel of Platt’s Funeral Home with Beau Sallee officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior at 2:00 pm.

You ever met someone who came from virtually nothing and built their life from the ground up? A life built with all that we aspire to be. A life that was built with hard work, brutal honesty, undying loyalty, kindness and the compassion to care for those who had little or nothing. A life filled with true love of animals, especially the abandoned or lost ones. That was Dave Turner.

I think Dave always saw some of himself in those that had nothing and needed a hand, whether human or animal. He sought to alleviate the pain and hurt that he saw in those struggling. His soul was filled with kindness towards those that needed it most. He gave away to others in need, almost as much as he was paid for his service and labor.

Dave was born in Louisville, KY, where later worked at the Ford plant with many of his family members. He came to Augusta by way of the US Army. He was drafted in 1966 to Ft. Gordon where he served almost 2 years doing communications. After the military, he owned 2 service stations before opening the current Turner’s Automotive in Grovetown in 1980. He spent years flying (and crashing) airplanes, along with years of drag racing (and crashing) race cars. He extended credit to people that probably didn’t deserve it, but he wanted everyone to be able to race. Working on cars wasn’t just his occupation, it was his hobby.

He was undyingly loyal to his dear friends and family. He spent his life providing for all of their needs. He treated his friends as if they were his extended family. His friends considered Dave family as well, because of how good he was to them, how he was always there when needed most. He made them all better human beings by his example.

Dave leaves behind 3 children – Tina Turner, Brad Turner and Dana Turner (Van King). He also has 2 granddaughters – Tharon Turner and Kayla Turner, along with 2 great granddaughters – Harlie Turner and Willow Turner. He also leaves behind several very close friends and a lot of loyal customers.

Dave Turner built a mountain of a man from virtually nothing. He did it the right way. A mountain of a man that gently held all those he loved and helped all those he could, especially those that needed it most until the very end. Fly high sir. You did oh so much for so very many, while leaving a shining example of how one should live their life. Now go be with Rena and tell her we love and miss her too.

Arrangements were entrusted to Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809, (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.