Joe Charles Turbeville

Joe Charles Turbeville, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, in Dresden, Tennessee. Born on May 4, 1932, in Martin, Tennessee, Joe lived a life defined by faith, family, and steadfast dedication to his work and community.

Joe was the son of Archie Turbeville and Modelle Michie Turbeville and the brother of Martha Lou Turbeville Walker. In December 1952, he began serving his country as a medical technician in the military. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Mima Jean McMahan. They married in 1955 and built their home together at 460 Turbeville Road, where they raised four children and shared 44 years of marriage until Jean’s passing.

Following his military service, Joe and Jean embarked on a life of hard work and devotion to their land and family. From 1955 until February 1991, they operated a dairy farm, milking cows for 36 years. The day they sold their last dairy cow marked not only the end of an era but also the joyful arrival of their fifth grandchild—a fitting symbol of legacy and renewal. As a farmer the word retire never really enters the conversation.  After milking cows, he kept on with raising horses, beef cattle and corn for silage.  Within a few years his son bought the farm, Joe became the horse trainer by breaking new horses to the wagon or the plows.  He later continued to serve his community through his work with the United States Postal Service until his retirement in 2000.

Joe's life was deeply rooted in faith. A lifelong member of the Lord’s body at Hatler’s Chapel Church of Christ on Hyndsver Road, he served as an elder for many years. His devotion to God was not merely spoken—it was lived daily. To say he "loved" the Lord would be an understatement; Joe lived for Him. He made it his mission to ensure that everyone he encountered heard God’s name at least once in their conversation. His faith was not just personal—it was an offering he extended to others with quiet conviction and unwavering sincerity.

To those who knew him best—his children Michael Turbeville (Janet Norvell Turbeville), Holly Turbeville Mason (Ron Mason), Sherry Turbeville Ligon, and Joetta Turbeville White (Ken White)—Joe was more than a father; he was a spiritual compass and a pillar of strength. His grandchildren—Kevin Turbeville (Kristen), Andrea Turbeville Shelton (Brian), Whitney Wilk, Joshua Wilk (Destinee), Kyle Ligon (Christina), Ryan Ligon (Kristen), Susanna Rae Ligon, Kari Ligon Spangenberger (Trey), Nathan Ligon (Abby), and Kendra Jo White—knew him as Pepaw: steady, wise, and full of quiet joy. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Judge Turbeville; Hayden, Dylaney, and Ryleigh Shelton; Jaxon and Josiah Wilk; Caleigh and Mason Wilk; Bodhi and Ellis Ligon; John Dewey and Jerra Spangenberger; Charlotte and Oliver Ligon.

Joe had a lifelong love for horses and mules—a passion that found its fullest expression in driving his wagon filled with friends and family who simply wanted to slow down for a day.  He was able to embark on these drives up until two years ago at the age of 91. These rides were more than leisure; they were moments of peace in motion—reflections of Joe himself: calm, steady, rooted in tradition. 

He loved reading the Bible and found solace in its words throughout every season of life. Many saw him as a quiet man with a sparkle in his eye—a presence that filled any room not with noise but with calm assurance. Those closest to him knew him as pensive yet deeply loving—a man grounded in Godly principles with firm convictions shaped by faith and experience. His strength came not from volume but from virtue.

Joe Charles Turbeville leaves behind a legacy etched into the hearts of those who loved him—a legacy of faith lived fully, work done earnestly, and love given unconditionally.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire lives rooted in faith, family, and purpose. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Children’s Home Inc. 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450.

A Visitation will be held on July 17, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home in Greenfield Tn. A visitation will be held Friday July 18, 2025, from 10:00-11:00, with the funeral to follow 11:00 am at Hatler's Chapel Church of Christ, 5005 Hyndsver Road Martin Tn 38237. Burial will be at Hatler's Chapel Church of Christ cemetery.