Dr. Charles Anthony Turek, “Chuck” to friends & family, passed away at age 66 on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He was a resident of Cartersville, GA.

Charles was born on December 10, 1949 in Kittanning, PA to Edward and Carolyn Turek, residents of Ford City, PA. One of his most memorable childhood activities was visiting his grandmother Turek, listening to her speak in her native Slovakian tongue, and watching her roll dough to an impossible thinness despite her extreme visual impairment.

After graduating from Ford City High School, Charles worked in Chicago, IL before accepting his draft call and serving with the 199th Infantry Division of The US Army in Vietnam. Serious & extensive injuries sustained in Vietnam earned Dr. Turek the USA Purple Heart medal; additionally, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Device 60, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

A true inspiration, Charles’ athletic accomplishments include playing basketball with the Pittsburgh Steel Wheelers, placing first in the Pittsburgh Great Race, and numerous awards in trap shooting and bowling. His intellectual endeavors reached their peak with the completion of his PsyD in Neuropsychology, and taking his education into practice, first at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, GA and later in private practice at Bartow Behavioral Health. After retirement, Charles served as the Vice-President of the Southeastern Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He followed in his own father’s footsteps, and fine-tuned his skills as a wood craftsman in his shop daily, making birdhouses, furniture, and carved bowls.

Dr. Turek considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment, and did everything in his power to provide them with a wonderful lifestyle. He was married to Janice Neutrelle Turek, and had three children with her. He is survived by: his wife Janice, his daughter Sarah & her husband Shaadie Khoury, his son Adam, his daughter Emily, and his granddaughter Sydney, as well as his sister Cathy Fahlor, his sister-in-law Ann Crawford, and his brother Steve- and numerous nieces and nephews. Always an animal lover, Charles Turek was preceded in death by: Tippy, Max, Rufus, Mandy, Maggie, Henry, Sammie, Lizzy, Baby, Tux, Edgar, Ozzy, and Betty. He is survived and greatly missed by: Bailey, Roscoe, Gigi, Phoebe, Lulu, Coco, Alex, Zelda, and Rambo.

Dr. Turek will be remembered as a generous, tremendously strong, and exceptional man. A private remembrance will be held for family members only. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Southeastern Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America in Augusta, GA, 706-823-2219.

Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Dr. Charles Turek; please visit www.parnickjenningsfuneral.com to share memories or to leave a condolence message.

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