Turner James Cockrell, age 21, of Acworth, Georgia, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018. Turner was born in Atlanta, Georgia and was a life-long resident of Cobb County. He graduated from Allatoona High School in 2016. He attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN where he majored in Medicine, Health, and Society.

While at Vanderbilt, he interned for Special Olympics during the summer of 2018. As a gifted athlete, Turner participated in a variety of sports from a young age. While at Allatoona, he was a varsity letter winner in lacrosse and football, a member of the state championship football team and earned a host of academic and athletic awards. Due to his commitment to both academics and athletics, Turner earned a scholarship to Vanderbilt University where he wore number 82 as a tight end for the Commodores. In the Spring of 2018, he was presented the Godfrey Dillard award for perseverance and courage by the Vanderbilt Athletic Department.

Turner was a young man of faith and exceptional character with a relentless work ethic. His larger- than-life personality, sense of humor and infectious smile garnered him many true and loyal friends throughout his life. Turner is survived by his parents, Randy and Noelle; brother Parker and sister Katheryn, all of Acworth; maternal grandmother Irene Noell Turner of Galax, VA; paternal grandparents James and Shirley Cockrell of Woodstock, VA; several aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. He is predeceased by his maternal grandfather Claude E. Turner. 

A memorial service will be held at North Star Church in Kennesaw on Monday, December 17th at 4 pm with visitation immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center or The V Foundation for Cancer Research