Glen “Bubba” Turnes

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of Glenwood “BUBBA” Turnes. He was 78 years young. Bubba faced his cancer and myasthenia gravis with grace and acceptance over the past eight years. Never a complaint or “Woe be me.” Bubba had a zest for life and everyone who knew him, loved him. He was the life of every party but had the gift to be able to shine the spotlight on all of those around him. He was addicted to every sport and enjoyed playing tennis, golf, baseball, and beach volleyball. He was a star athlete lettering in football and baseball at Sarasota High School and a University of Miami Hurricane football kicker, until an unfortunate accident took him off the field. Bubba could recite facts and stats of every college and professional game across the nation, including all the team colors and mascots. Bubba revered the Masters and created his own special twist of a tournament that he named “The Blasters”, with coveted green jackets laced with gold epaulets for the winners. It was always the must-attend event of the year.

He met the love of his life on the tennis courts at Carrollwood Village Country Club, Mary LoPresti. That was the beginning of a beautiful partnership and marriage that thrived over the past 40 years. They were inseparable and a true “match” made in heaven. They fostered lifelong friendships on the courts at Carrollwood and Avila. Not only did they share sports, travel, and fun together, they both had long professional careers at Xerox Corporation where Bubba retired after a stellar 40-year career as one of the top Sales and Marketing Executives in the country.

Bubba was well known as a prankster and loved to make people laugh - at both his expense and sometimes theirs. He had nicknames for everyone.

Bubba’s recent anniversary card to Mary says it all…“the gift of your unconditional love and our wonderful life together is more special than I could have ever dreamed of with the exception of some of your freezer burn dinners, inability to load the dishwasher properly, and your special knack of storing record-long outdated products in the pantry. And although your culinary skills are suspect, you improved my backhand steadily over the years.”

Bubba is preceded in death by his mother, Marie Turnes, a strong-willed single mother who instilled unwavering core values in Bubba, along with his uncles, friends and coaches throughout the years. He is joining his aunts and uncles in Heaven, Walter and Paige Morgan, Betty Hutson, Irene and Junior Thomasson, James Mitchell, Dan Morgan, Henry Morgan, and Faye Dundore. He is survived by Joyce Mitchell, Bobby and Jean Morgan, and Lois Morgan.

Bubba was a beloved member of Mary’s family. He loved and adored her parents, the late Marie and Gus LoPresti and brother-in-law, Daniel LoPresti. He is survived by Dan’s wife Teri, and niece Sara LoPresti. He felt Patricia LoPresti, sister-in-law became more like his own sister, and along with her partner, Bonnie Matthew.

He had so many great friends that were considered extended family: Kathie and Alan Williams, Brianna and Ben Gordon, Bill and Heather Calfee, Taylor and Whitney Calfee, Chase Calfee, Susan Calfee, Patricia and Townsend Clarke, Patricia Clarke, Elizabeth Clarke, Katherine Clarke, Shannon and Matt Gabriele, Lee Haworth, Doug Archibald, Ginnene Bucci and Les Mitchell.

Bubba loved all animals and especially his four-legged family throughout his life. Keena, Lady, Katie and most recently Annie, who never left his side throughout his last journey. In addition, all his Ravinia “Yappy Hour” friends and families.

Bubba wanted to ensure that friends gather from all chapters of his life to celebrate the memories and great times he cherished. All are welcome to attend his Funeral Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church on Friday, December 8th at 2:00pm - 12708 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33618. Immediately following will be a special celebration of his life at Carrollwood Village Country Club, 13903 Clubhouse Dr., Tampa, Florida.

The family would also like to thank the dedicated and compassionate Doctors, nurses, and staff at Moffitt Cancer Center who took great care of him over the years.

In lieu of flowers, Bubba would prefer donations to his favorite Charity, First Tee - Cleveland. 3841 Washington Park Blvd, Newburgh Hts., Ohio, 44105 - 216-641-7799. HTTPS://firstteecleveland.org/donate