SEPTEMBER 23 – Robert Perry Turpin, with his family at his side, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 21, 2010 after an unexpected illness and now joins Elizabeth, the love of his life for 55 years. He was born in Pinnacle, N.C. on March 16, 1932 to Mattie and Adolphus Turpin and moved to Cumberland County a few months later when his mother passed away and his father (in his late seventies, an age Perry was proud of telling everyone) was unable to care for an infant. He was raised by Augustus and Minnie Bryant, his aunt and uncle, who considered him one of their own children.

Mr. Turpin was a painter and former meat cutter at Blanton and Pleasants and enjoyed hobbies of woodcarving, beekeeping, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He will be remembered for his steadfast love for his family and many friends, especially neighbors Billy Pepper, Roger Stinnett, Billy Sutton and Suzie Hammonds, his special helper.

He is survived by his two daughters, Nancy Latham (“Baby Girl”) and husband, Buford of Mechanicsville and Peggy Buchanan and husband, Tommy of Cartersville; three grandchildren, Jennifer Porter and Michael and Matthew Latham; three great-grandchildren, Haden Porter and Tyler and Ashley Latham; two brothers, Joe Billy Turpin and wife, Minerva and Claude Bryant and wife, Marlene; special brothers-in-law, Hansford (Junie) Rife, Howard Dunivan and wife, Christine, and sisters-in-law, Ellen Woodson and husband, William and Lillie Bowles and Berlene Bryant and many nieces and nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Bessie Rife and Ethel Bryant, and brothers, Ray, Fred, Irving and Jesse Bryant and brother-in-law, Herman Dunivan.

A special thanks to the kind and compassionate nurses at St. Mary's Hospital, especially Joanie and Kristen. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 24, at 11 a.m. at Fork of Willis Church in Columbia, followed by a celebration of his life at Oakwood Methodist Church.

Donations may be made to Cartersville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Cartersville VA 23027 or Cartersville Fire Dept. P.O. Box 38, Cartersville, VA 23027.

Norman Funeral Home, Goochland, is handling arrangements.