Frank Turk

Frank Turk, 78, of Gainesville and Oakwood, passed away Friday, September 2, 2011.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 5, 2011, at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Sunday, September 4, 2011, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the funeral home.



Mr. Turk was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Talmadge Turk and Lelah Mae Chandler Turk; brothers William Turk and Hugh K. Turk, nephews Greg Turk and Kenny Turk.



A self-employed businessman, Mr. Turk never met a stranger, and will always be remembered for his strong work ethic and his dedication to his community. He owned and operated several local business including Burger Chef on Green Street and Atlanta Highway, Hardees of Gainesville, Oakwood, Cornelia and Cleveland, Church's Chicken of Gainesville, Oakwood, and Madison, The Golden Pig Bar-B-Que restaurant on McEver Road, Papa John's Pizza of Gainesville and Toccoa, Sonny's Bar B Que; Williams Seafood and Frank Turk Automotive Repair on McEver Road. He was proud to serve on many local boards including the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority for 25 years, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Hall County Development Authority, Hall County Civil Service Board, and currently served on the Oakwood Development Authority and as vice-chairman of the Oakwood Planning Commission. Mr. Turk was responsible for the road now known as McEver Road Extension, he initiated the idea and almost single-handedly negotiated every right of way purchase. He was responsible also for the new road that currently leads to Lake Lanier Islands and the recent dredging of Longwood Park. Frank was a member of Gainesville Masonic Lodge #219 where he was past Worshipful Master, Scottish Rite, and Shriners. He was also very active in several local political campaigns and an avid aviation and NASCAR fan. He was a regular presence in the stands at his grandchildren's sports events at Gainesville High School. Mr. Turk was an Army veteran serving in the Korean conflict and a member of Lakewood Baptist Church.



Mr. Turk is survived by his wife, Barbara C. Turk, Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law Gail and Steve Musselwhite, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law Lt. Col. Todd and Deidre Turk, Atlanta; grandchildren Tyler Musselwhite and Abby Musselwhite, Gainesville; Duncan Turk, Dylan Turk and Fletcher Turk, Atlanta; sister, Helen McDonald, Gainesville; brother, Marvin Turk, Oakwood; and several nieces and nephews.



The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the National Parkinson's Disease Foundation or Eagle Ranch Christian Children's Home in Mr. Turk's name.



Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com


Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.