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Nathaniel “Nat” Massie Turnbull, Jr. passed away at home on December 14, 2024 from Parkinsonism caused by military service-related exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins. Nat was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 5, 1944, to Beverly Adams and Nathaniel M. Turnbull, Sr. He grew up in Winter Park, Florida and graduated from Winter Park High School. Nat attended the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising and a minor in Marketing. He was a member of the Alpha Delta Sigma professional advertising fraternity and Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Nat was a member of the Army ROTC in both high school and college. Nat began his service in the U.S. Army in August 1967 and graduated from the Army Transportation Officers School in Fort Eustis, Virginia. He then attended The Defense Information School (DINFOS) in Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. He was assigned first to a Transportation Unit in Kaiserslautern, Germany for two years. He was promoted to Captain on August 14, 1969, then deployed to Vietnam from September 20, 1969 until August 5, 1970. While in Vietnam, Nat was the Public Information Officer for the 101st Airborne Division, Camp Eagle, Phu Bai, Republic of South Vietnam and the Deputy Commander and Public Affairs Officer for the XXIV Corps Press Center, Da Nang, Vietnam. He served with troops in the field and was responsible for the civilian media representatives from all over the world who were covering the Vietnam war. He was housed in tents with very few “creature comforts”. He also spent time in Bien Hoa Army Base, A Shau Valley, as well as other temporary locations along the DMZ. Nat was honorably discharged from the United States Army on August 10, 1970. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the U.S. Vietnam Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Nat’s professional career included working for four Florida governors, two Secretaries of State, and specializing in international economic development projects at airports, seaports, related ports of entry and free trade zone developments. He participated in developmental research projects in many Latin American, European and Asian countries. He served as a consultant to the United States Import Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce and lectured widely on international and economic issues and published numerous international articles. Nat served on many boards and was an executive director for many trade and commerce associations, organizations, commissions and councils. He was chosen as the 1992 Florida Chamber of Commerce International Business Executive of the Year and in 1995 was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles as Florida Chairman for the United Nations 50th Anniversary. Nat was married for nearly 44 years to his first wife, Barbera Jo Smith, who passed away in 2011. Nat found love again and married Mary Helena (M.H.) Allen in 2017. Together they enjoyed living in Quincy, Florida on Lake Talquin. Until his health declined, Nat lived an active life at the lake with M.H. They traveled often throughout the southeast to sightsee, participate in dog performance sports, boating, dining out, and socializing with friends. He was proud of his time served in the U.S. Army, as well as his diverse and interesting career after military duty. Nat loved Whataburger (where he met M.H. for the first time), all dogs, some cats, Hardee’s chicken tenders, Tillamook strawberry ice cream, Bordeau Cookies, and Mounds candy bars, especially with fresh coffee from the BP gas station on U.S. Highway 267 and I-10. He was sociable and without prejudice. He made friends easily and stayed in touch with those who were his lifetime ones. He was an American Patriot and Southern Gentleman. Nat was a lifetime member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the Tallahassee Chapter, a lifetime member of The American Legion and Sauls-Bridges Post 13, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the 101st Airborne Division Association. He was also a charter life member of the University of Florida Alumni Association, and a founding member of the University of Florida International Advisory Board. Nat was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, and past member of Capital Tiger Bay Club, Tallahassee Economic Club of Florida, Capital Area Gator Club, Ochlockonee River Kennel Club and Tallahassee Dog Obedience Club. Nat was predeceased by parents, Beverly and Nathaniel Turnbull, Sr., his first wife Barbera Jo Smith Turnbull, and his beloved Dachshund, Diesel Boy. He is survived by his beloved wife, tireless advocate, and aide-de-camp of 7 years, Mary Helena (M.H.) Allen; his loyal Standard Poodles, Louise The Breeze and Marilyn Monroe; two daughters, Allison Turnbull Jones and Meredith Turnbull; two grandsons, Benjamin and Nathaniel Bankowitz, and their dad, the very dear ex-son-in-law, Jeff Bankowitz, and his lovely wife, Mandy; two sisters, Taffy Carpenter and Ginger Gibbs; cousins Susan Turnbull Guest and Susan Clay Nuchols; and a very special and dedicated caregiver, Savannah Daniel, who kept it all together for both Nat and M.H. until the very end. Nat also leaves behind a Company of fellow soldiers and longtime, loyal friends who have provided immeasurable support and encouragement to M.H. Nat’s celebration of life will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 10AM at Bevis Funeral Home located at 200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, Florida. His Military Honors and Committal Service will take place at 1200 Hours (High Noon) at Tallahassee National Cemetery located at 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a donation to K9s For Warriors in memory of (IMO) Nat Turnbull. Please send by regular mail in care of Karen Worth, K9s For Warriors, 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Nathaniel M. Turnbull, Jr.

August 5, 1944 - December 14, 2024