Reece Goff Turrentine, 84: Atlanta Minister as Happy in a Canoe as the Pulpit

Reece Goff Turrentine, 84, passed away on Dec. 21, 2013.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Eleanor "Onie" Turrentine, their children Michael Turrentine and Linda Turrentine, and many beloved nieces and nephews. His memorial service will be Jan. 8, 2014, at 1 p.m. at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 in the Chapel, with a reception following.

Reece was an outstanding figure in every phase of his life; he touched so many with so much. Reece graduated from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, in 1954, was ordained, and started his ministry. For 41 years, he and his family served the Methodist Church from Thomasville to Hahira, to Cuthbert, to Fort Valley, to Macon (South Georgia Conference) and then Atlanta. He retired in 1995 from Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and the North Georgia Conference.

He was not only a compelling speaker, but a joy to be around, and was as comfortable in a canoe as he was in the pulpit. He taught us through sermons that sometimes weren't sermons at all, but active lessons on caring, compassion, music and faith.

Reece was an artist, musician and writer. His messages in each church bulletin were saved for later inspiration. His articles were eagerly awaited each month in the "Brown's Guide to Georgia", and were part of the book "The Riverkeeper's Guide to the Chattahoochee". He had "river water flowing through his veins", and was an early conservationist, who loved every facet of the outdoors. He was a family man who was also a pilot, a motorcyclist, and a golfer.

Reece's family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Reece's name to the Flint Riverkeeper, at P.O. Box 468, Albany, GA 31702. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.

H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel is in charge of arrangements.