John Graeme Turnbull, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 6, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA.
Born on Christmas day in Wilmington, DE, he is the son of Stockton Graeme Turnbull and Mary Tyler Mayo Turnbull and youngest brother to Katherine Bainbridge and Blake Turnbull. He was an avid sports player throughout his youth, excelling at golf, basketball, football, and baseball. He graduated from Randolph-Macon College and Boston University and went on to pursue a career in the Navy. While home from deployment, he met Cynthia “Cindy” Flake with whom he later went on to marry and have three children.
John continued to grow his career in the military, specializing as a Systems Business Analyst at Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) at the Norfolk Naval Base for over 30 years. He enjoyed annual summer vacations with his wife and children to Sea Isle City, NJ where he also vacationed throughout his childhood. He happily retired from work in 2013 and his love for sports continued to grow. He was a huge Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) fan and frequently attended professional and collegiate sporting events with friends and family. Living the retired life, he often visited new places with Cindy, with their last vacation together in Scotland and Ireland.
John was a jovial, charismatic, and determined man. He sacrificed his time and resources to provide a flourishing life for his family. He was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was always sincere and generous with his praise and admiration for the people he loved. He will be missed dearly by his loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his wife of over 40 years, Cindy Turnbull and his oldest sister, Katherine Bainbridge. He is survived by his children, Doug Turnbull (and his wife, Khara), James Turnbull, and Tricia McCann (and her husband, John); grandchildren, Ian and Murray Turnbull and Levi and Zachary McCann; and sister, Blake Turnbull.
He will have a natural burial on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Duck Run Natural Cemetery followed by a reception with close friends and family. Visit his Tribute page at AltmeyerFH.com to share memories and offer condolences to the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Challenged Athletes Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps people and veterans with physical changes so they can lead active lifestyles and compete in athletic sporting events.
