10/12/2026
Binford Watkins Turnage
Live funeral service can be seen HERE
Binford Watkins Turnage, 88, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. A visitation will be held Friday, October 16, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Mr. Binnie’s life will be Saturday, October 17, 2026, at First Baptist Church at 11:00 AM. Bro. Fred Eakes, Dr. Randy Bain, and Bro. Milton Whatley will officiate. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Binnie was a man whose life was defined by faith, love, patience, generosity, and a deep commitment to serving others. He was the kind of man who made the world a better place simply by being in it. To those who knew and loved him, he was the most patient, loving, caring, and giving Christian man they had ever known—a true example of Christ’s love lived out each day.
Mr. Binnie’s journey was one of hard work, dedication, and faith. Before beginning his career in pharmacy, he started out working as a mechanic at Elmer Stone’s garage. It was there, through honest work and determination, that he saved his money to purchase an engagement ring for Jo, the woman who would become his beloved bride. That simple but meaningful beginning reflected the man he was: hardworking, devoted, and willing to give of himself for the people he loved.
Mr. Binnie went on to attend the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1962. As a third-generation pharmacist at Turnage Drug Store, he carried on a family tradition of caring for others through his profession. His work was more than a career; it was another way to serve his community, offer a helping hand, and make a difference in the lives of those around him.
Mr. Binnie’s love for his community extended well beyond the pharmacy. In 1959, he walked the Blue Devil's sideline serving as their statistician. He continued in this role for approximately 40 years, becoming a familiar and cherished presence on the sidelines. His dedication reflected the loyalty, commitment, and love for his community that characterized so much of his life.
His Christian faith was the foundation upon which he built his life. A lifetime member of First Methodist Church, Mr. Binnie faithfully served on numerous committees and in many capacities throughout the years. His commitment to his church was not simply a matter of membership; it was a lifelong devotion to serving God and others. He lived his faith through his actions, treating everyone with kindness, compassion, and understanding. His patience seemed endless, his heart was generous, and he gave freely of his time, talents, and resources without expecting anything in return.
Mr. Binnie’s servant’s heart led him to become involved in numerous civic and community organizations. He served with the Jaycees and the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce, served on the school board and the Mississippi Children’s Board, and participated in prison ministry. Through these commitments, he demonstrated his belief that every person mattered and that each of us has a responsibility to make our community and our world a better place.
One of the great passions of Mr. Binnie’s life was mission work. He participated in numerous mission trips and led many trips to Nicaragua, sharing the love of Christ with people beyond his own community. His willingness to serve, encourage, and help those in need reflected a faith that reached far beyond words. He was willing to go where he was needed, offer a helping hand, and bring hope to others. Through his mission work, he touched lives, built connections, and left a lasting impression on those he served.
Those who knew Mr. Binnie will remember his gentle spirit, his servant’s heart, and the quiet, steadfast way he loved others. He did not simply speak of Christian values—he embodied them. Whether serving behind the pharmacy counter, standing on the football sidelines, working through his church, serving his community, ministering to those in prison, or leading mission trips abroad, he approached every responsibility with humility, dedication, and love.
Though his presence will be deeply missed, the legacy Mr. Binnie leaves behind is one that will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, church family, community, and the countless people whose lives were touched by his kindness and ministry.
Mr. Binnie lived a life of purpose, guided by his faith and marked by a love that reached far beyond himself. His earthly journey may have come to an end, but the seeds of faith, compassion, and generosity he planted will continue to grow for generations to come.
His life reminds us that the greatest legacy we can leave is not what we accumulate, but the love we give, the lives we touch, and the faith we share.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Mr. Binnie lived his life as a beautiful reflection of the love of Christ. He will be remembered with gratitude, cherished with love, and missed more than words can express. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and in the example he set for all who were blessed to know him.
LLMB. Live Like Mr. Binnie.
Mr. Binnie is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Jeanette "Jo" Turnage; children, Robert "Bobby" Turnage (Monica), Baine Turnage (Vicki), Dawn Edwards (Steve), and Cora Lynn Ray; grandchildren, Hunter Edwards, Taylor Edwards, Erick Turnage, Karen Turnage, Max Kimbrough, Marshall Ray and Parker Turnage; great-grandchildren Sloan, Hazel, Naomi and Celia Edwards; and his brother Robert Turnage.
Mr. Binnie was preceded in death by his daughter, Nina Karen Turnage; parents, Wade and Catherine Baine Turnage; and his sister, Ethelyne Lingle.
In lieu of flowers, brother Binnie's request is to have donations made to St. Jude HERE or First Methodist Church at the following address: 603 N Main St, Water Valley, MS 38965.
Expressions of condolences may be shared on Mr. Binnie’s Tribute Wall at www.sevenoaksfuneralhome.com.
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