Mr. Joel David Turlington, 50, of Lillington, passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Born in Harnett County, Joel was the son of Nancy Jones Turlington and the late Palmer Keith Turlington. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Jeffery Turlington.

Joel had a sharp mind, a wonderful sense of humor, and a kindness that his family and friends will remember for the rest of their lives. He loved his people with his whole heart. When they think of him in the years ahead, they’ll remember what it felt like to laugh with him, to spend an afternoon fishing together, to sit down at a meal he’d cooked on the grill, or simply to sit with him and share a thoughtful conversation. Those ordinary moments with Joel are among the things they’ll miss most.

Joel loved his son, Danny Turlington, more than anything in the world. He cherished the time they spent together playing video games and bonding over the interests they shared. He adored his nieces and nephews and treasured the time he spent with them over the years. He and his father, Palmer, shared an interest in firearms, one of the things they enjoyed having in common. Joel had a soft spot for old horror movies, loved all kinds of music, and could always come back to his favorite, the Dave Matthews Band. And when it came to Carolina, he was a Tar Heels fan through and through.

Joel earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Western Carolina University. He spoke with pride about his fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, and loved sharing stories from his time as a member. He put his intelligence into working during his years with GlaxoSmithKline and BB&T (now Truist). After undergoing back surgery, he found a way to continue the work he knew so well, working from home as a contract project engineer for several companies.

Joel survives by his son, Danny Turlington of Stantonsburg, North Carolina, and his mother, Nancy Jones Turlington of the home. He is also survived by his brothers, Gordon Kevin Turlington and his wife, Jennifer, of Lillington, and Stacy Lee Turlington and his wife, Jennifer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, along with the many nieces and nephews he loved dearly.

We will miss Joel in ways we can already name and in ways we’ll discover as the days go on. A song will come on that we wish he were here to hear. Something will make us laugh, and we’ll want to tell him about it. We’ll tell his stories, say his name, and try to give each other the same kindness he gave so freely. That is how we’ll honor him, and how we’ll carry him with us every day.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at LifePoint Church of God, 500 West Old Rd., Lillington, NC 27546. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m., with the Rev. David Porter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LifePoint Church of God, 500 West Old Rd., Lillington, NC 27546.

Arrangements are by O’Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home & Crematory in Lillington. Online condolences.