Gene Lee Turnbo

Gene Lee Turnbo was born on February 28, 1942 in Clifton, Tennessee, the son of the late Lester Lee and Mamie Hazel Love Turnbo.

Gene served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was an Aviation Electrician attached to Attack Squadron 22 "The Fighting Redcocks". He deployed on three nine month assignments into the combat zone for a total of 2 years and 3 months in the zone. During one of the last deployments while working on jet aircraft electrical system, someone accidentally turned on the power. He was electrocuted quite bad and fell to the flight deck unconscious. After he recovered, he continued serving out his enlistment and was honorably discharged. He was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal (with 2 bronze stars), the Vietnam Service Medal (with 4 bronze stars), the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the National Defense Medal. Years later, he was awarded a disability pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs in compensation for injuries to his lungs. Gene later worked for Amsco Corporation in Ann Arbor, Michigan as an electrician until his retirement. He was known as "Mr. Fix-it" in his family, and could do all kinds of electrical work. He enjoyed gardening, building model airplanes, and being with his pet fish and birds. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed being present for all of their activities.

Gene Lee Turnbo departed this life on February 14, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 82 years, 11 months, and 17 days.

He is survived by his son, Thomas Turnbo (Maylene) of Howell, Michigan; daughter, Melissa Turnbo of Milford, Michigan; brother, Dennis Turnbo of Morris Chapel, Tennessee; grandchildren, Tommy Turnbo, Monica Wilkinson, and Molly Wilkinson; and great grandson, Michael Wilkinson. Gene was a decedent of the Love family.