David Austin Turbeville

David "Turbo" Austin Turbeville, 87, of Mansfield, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, in Arlington, with loved ones by his side.

He was born the fifth of seven siblings on June 24, 1936, in Whelan Springs, Arkansas, to Thomas and Lucy Turbeville. David loved growing up in Arkansas and would often recount his mother sending him off, even as a very young boy, to fish or collect crawfish for the family’s dinner.

After the death of David’s father, the family moved to Camden, Arkansas, where David attended Camden schools until enlisting in the Marines at age 17. A lifelong proud Marine, David’s four years of service took him from California to South Korea and Hawaii, before he was honorably discharged in 1958.

David settled in his adopted home state of Texas, where he eventually found his career calling as a traveling western wear salesman. He was a natural. He was big (6’ 5” in his boots, he would say), quick witted, and charming. Over the course of his long career crisscrossing the state, visiting western wear stores of every size, he represented a number of belt and buckle lines. He was adored by fellow salesmen and store owners alike. His kids often accompanied him on these trips through Texas, witnessing even the most skeptical store managers (who knew they would inevitably be convinced to buy something they did not want or need) welcome visits from “Turbo” for his sense of humor and stories (many of them true).
He loved family gatherings and being the center of family banter. He loved the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and spending hours tending to his yard and gardens. He was an excellent cook, who was particularly proud of his gravy. He lived life by his own rules and had a magnetic personality that drew people in, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the privilege to know him. He was one of a kind, and it is difficult to imagine this world without him in it.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Thomas, Alvin, and Jerry, and his sisters Francis and Imogene. He is survived by his wife, Pam; his children Terri (Todd) Burleson of Colorado City, Texas, Dava Turbeville of Fort Worth, Texas, Paul (Rachel) Turbeville of Log Cabin, Texas, Jennifer (Daryl) Hazen of Krugerville, Texas, David (Kaylee) Turbeville of San Marcos, Texas, and Scott (Ashley) Turbeville of Golden, Colorado; and his sister Nancy Moody of Point, Texas. He was “Papa” to many, many grandkids through his children and step-children. He was also the legendary “Uncle Dave” to many beloved nieces and nephews who no doubt have stories to tell of his shenanigans.

Services will be held at Blessing Funeral Home at 9:00AM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, with interment immediately following at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.