Neal Turlington

NEAL E. TURLINGTON

Neal Everett Turlington, 81, of Palatka passed away Friday, May 9, 2025 at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital in Palatka following a brief illness.

A native of St. Augustine and former resident of Hastings—where he was a 1962 graduate of Hastings High School—Neal had most recently resided in Putnam County since 1979 coming from Detroit, Michigan. He served for six years in the Florida National Guard and retired from Georgia-Pacific in Palatka where had worked as a millwright.

A faithful member of Francis Baptist Church in Palatka, Neal had served as a deacon and in other church leadership roles. He was a dedicated Christian man who was very generous toward others.

Neal was preceded in death by his wife, Mileta Cannon Turlington; his parents, Cecil and Dorothy Turlington; a brother, Cecil Turlington, Jr.; a daughter, Ann Marie Turlington; two nephews, Keith Varnadoe and Kirby McLean; sister-in-law and spouse, Merle and Harry Varnadoe; spouses of sisters-in-law, Corky Bell and John Albert McLean; and brother-in-law and spouse, John H. and Patricia Cannon.

Survivors include a sister, Nina Turlington Blount; and extended family members, Edna Ona McLean; Jeff Varnadoe (Laura Lee), Debi Edwards (Wilson), Melanie Marin (Randy), Michael Cannon (Debi), Tim McLean, Marsha Rain, Teresa White (Rusty), Wendy Powell (James)  Melissa Turlington, and William Blount, Sr.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Peniel Cemetery with Pastor Buddy Lynch officiating and special music by Jeff Varnadoe.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Francis Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o 155 CR 309C, Palatka, FL 32177.

Messages of sympathy may be shared on Neal’s online tribute page at: themastersfuneralhome.com.

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.