Richard Buddy Turnage

In Loving Memory of Richard Buddy Turnage December 15, 1940 – December 25, 2024

On Christmas Day, the house was filled with laughter of grandkids and great-grandkids opening gifts at the Turnage house. While the family enjoyed Christmas lunch, Richard savored his favorite sweet potato casserole. As the kids were playing with their gifts and adults enjoying coffee around the table, Richard passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His peaceful passing was a reflection of his life–full of love, joy, and devotion.

Richard is loved by his wife of 62 years, Carol, his “honey.” Together, they built a family of which Richard was incredibly proud and celebrated their many accomplishments.  Karin, his daughter, and husband, Michael served in pastoral ministry over 35 years. Jennifer, his daughter, is a pharmacist and business owner and Damian, her husband, is a law enforcement officer. His late daughter, Andrea Turnage Savoie, was an incredible elementary school teacher and spouse.

Richard is adored by his grandchildren: Michelle and Dylan Hills, Jonathan Bush, Gabrielle Bush, Shawn McRight, and Joshua Bush. His face would light up with joy whenever his great-grandchildren—Braxton, Harper, and Gracelyn Hills entered the room. 

Shooting guns with his family was one of Richard’s favorite activities. He loved watching his grandson, Joshua play baseball. He was also blessed to watch his great-grandsons, Braxton and Harper play baseball and basketball.  Richard cherished the sweet sound of his granddaughters, Michelle and Gabrielle leading worship. He enjoyed hearing his grandson, Shawn, play the piano and was proud of Shawn’s endeavors to become an engineer while interning at NASA. Richard’s face would light up when his great-granddaughter, Gracelyn climbed on his bed to look at pictures on the tablet. Richard also loved sharing meals with his family. Taco Tuesdays and his grandson, Jonathan’s smoked meats were among his favorites.

Some of Richard’s hobbies included working in the yard and making burn piles. He was also an avid collector of all things, including flour sifters, ice picks, coins, stamps, Golden Books, sewing patterns, and Coca-Cola bottles.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Turnage and Ruby Moon Turnage. He is now reunited with his beloved daughter, Andrea. Andrea so loved Christmas that he was called home to spend Christmas with her. 

Richard’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. His kindness, joy, and devotion to family will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His family will always remember the warmth and love he brought to their lives. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)

A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 4, 2025, at Calvary Christian Center, 47096 Randall Road, Hammond, Louisiana, 70401. Visitation for family and friends will take place from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to support Richard’s granddaughter Gabrielle Bush, who is a state-side missionary. Donations can be made via this link or by mail addressed to Gabrielle Bush 21292 Greenspray Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92646.