Michael Harvey Turnbow

Mike was born March 1, 1946, in San Francisco, CA, to Rufus Harvey Turnbow and Betty “Joyce” Etier. He was raised in Hornbrook, CA, by Joyce and Andrew “Buck” Skeahan.

When he was 17, Mike joined the Navy and served two tours in Vietnam. During his first tour, he began writing letters to a friend’s sister to help pass the time. He never imagined this “pen pal” would turn out to be the love of his life, Wanda Adelia Dahse. Mike and Wanda celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this past July 16.

After his time in the Navy, Mike joined the Army and served for over a decade. He became a medical evacuation pilot in the 82nd Airborne. During his military career, Mike and Wanda had three children, Mike, Chris and Angie.

After leaving active-duty military service, Mike was fortunate to find another career where he could serve his community. He began coaching youth girls basketball to support his daughter. It sparked a passion that led him to become the state director of Youth Basketball of America, growing the Georgia division to the largest youth girls basketball program in the nation. Mike was always proud of his efforts helping young women pursue their athletic dreams.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Wanda; children, Mike (Lynda), Chris (Amber) and Angie (Andy); grandchildren Stevi, Chloe, Devin, Owen, Zac, Maisie and Mallory; brother Jim and sister Tanya. He was preceded in death by his dad Buck, mom Joyce and brother Greg. Mike will always be remembered for his love of country, his love of his family, his sense of humor and his passion for helping others.

Services with full military honors will be held on 10 October 2024 at 3 pm at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. A second service will be held in Hornbrook, CA, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to K9s For Warriors to help veterans struggling with PTSD or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.