Mr. Donald Ray Turlington, Sr. 55 of Lillington passed away suddenly on Monday, December 21, 2009 at the age of 55. Donald was born on December 28, 1953 in Erwin, N.C. to the parents of Jack and Louise Jernigan Turlington who are now deceased. He was also predeceased by a brother whom he loved dearly, Randy Kay Turlington. Donald was active in his community having served as President of the Lillington Chamber, President of the Lillington Kiwanis Club, Lillington Town Commissioner, and was named Man of the Year in 1995. He currently served on the Summerville Fire Department Board of Directors and the First Bank of Lillington Board of Directors. He was a past member of the Lillington Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders Unit. He was instrumental in the development of the Lillington Parks and Recreation Athletic Field and the Harnett Central High School Ballpark.

Donald Ray never met a stranger and was always there for anyone who needed help if it was a friend, family member or complete stranger. He was a master builder and one of the few builders left in this world that customized his buildings and took the time to perfect his craft. Words cannot express just the scale of how much Donald Ray will be missed not only by his family, but by hundreds of people who knew and loved him. He gave of himself 110 percent and believed that we were all put on this earth to help others. His family asks that in memory of Donald Ray that you please continue to carry on his work, which was believing, loving, forgiving and helping your family, friends and anyone you see that needs a helping hand. His memory will live on forever if you do this.

Surviving Mr. Turlington are his beloved wife of 30 years, Donna Hardee Turlington, sons Donald Ray Turlington, Jr. and fiancée Caroline of Lillington and David Rant Miller and wife Net of Virginia, daughter Rebecca Blair T. Byrd and husband Eddie of Lillington, sisters Janice T. Cassio of Lillington, Regina T. McLain and husband Tom of Lillington and Shirley Turlington of Lillington, grandchildren Charlotte Rebecca Byrd, Chloe Tatum Byrd, Cason Ray Turlington, Madison Taylor Miller and Darren Miller. Survivors also include a very special sister-in-law Nina Turlington Smith of Pinehurst and a special niece Karen H. Warren He is also survived by a multitude of friends, nieces and nephews who loved and respected him beyond words.

A funeral service was held Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Lillington Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Smith and Rev. Dr. William Goodnight officiating. Burial took place at Hartnett Memorial Park. Family received friends Saturday, December 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at O’Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Donald Ray Turlington Scholarship Fund, Central Carolina Community College, c/o First Bank, PO Box 1000, Lillington, NC 27546.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.oquinnpeebles.com.