Bryant Turbeville
Today I learned that my best friend from high school died Sunday. Classmates Facebooked me literally moments before my mom called.
Bryant Turbeville was a year older than I, and although we were separated by a grade, we were inseparable buddies. We weathered the stormy years of high school together, laughing all the way. In truth, I can’t recall too many moments being with Bryant that we weren’t irreverent or insane.
Though we’ve not kept up since college except for occasional phone calls, Carolyn ran into Bryant at the airport in Little Rock last fall after our move to Virginia. Their chance meeting provoked a long, enjoyable phone call in which we shared life and reflected on how God had led each of us.
I am still a little stunned by his death. He was visiting a friend, stood up and complained of a pain in his leg. It was an aneurysm which went straight to his heart and killed him instantly.
Such is the brevity of life.
Bryant blessed mine with such deep benefit in our friendship. Here are just some random memories:
- Singing all of Chicago 17′s songs from his tape deck in his white 300z at the top of our lungs on Friday nights while cruising Little Rock. I don’t recall our crooning ever successfully resulting in meeting chicks.
- A student council convention in which he, Tanya Siebert, Angie Harrison and myself represented Pulaski Academy in our bid for a state office. I dressed up as Superman and bounded out into the gathered assembly with the other three singing a song to the Superman theme tune:
Pulaski Academy…
Making a difference you can see
A great state council we want to be
When you vote… Pulaski Academy!
- Dozens of movies. In fact, since my folks were sticklers about rated R movies prior to my 17th birthday, I’m pretty sure it was Bryant that I saw Beverly Hills Cop with. It was my first theater R movie experience.
- Physics. We took it together, as I recall, and Dr. King was our teacher. He was a rather interesting character, and one day we were shooting rockets off from the high school football field. It was Bryant who had the idea of dropping grass blades down Dr. King’s exposed butt crack as he knelt sweatily over each rocket to light it. I always wondered if he ever worriedly informed a doctor that he had grass in his stool.
- In college, I found my freshman year that a friend who shall go unnamed (but rhymes with Hitch Lettuce) had a favorite pair of underwear. They were semi-bikinish and grossed out his roommate. I stole them over spring break, and Bryant and I drove all over Little Rock taking pictures of that pair of underwear lying on landmarks from the WWII memorial at the State Capitol to the Old Mill. We sent pictures (copies of which I still have; so Hitch, don’t consider revenge) as a ransom note.
- High school football and basketball games rooting on the Bruins.
- And so many more…
I also remember Bryant’s deep and abiding faith in Christ. He and his family attended First Baptist in Little Rock, while mine went to Immanuel Baptist. It was always a deep encouragement to know my friend shared my faith and love for Christ. Last fall as we visited on the phone, we both marveled at my role as a pastor. Bryant had such affirming and encouraging words for me.
Bryant wanted to be a doctor when we were in high school and pursued his dream with earnest. I too entered college with the idea of being a doctor but changed to communications after my freshman year. He was practicing with OrthoArkansas upon his death. (I’ve used their stock photo for the picture above because mine are all in storage.)
It’s a little surreal to lose a friend that you’ve not been good at keeping up with. However, his grace, joy and love will always be remembered. He was the kind of friend that lasts a lifetime – in spite of distance. I rejoice that I will see him again one day. I can’t help wondering if he’s tried to serenade the Lord with Chicago’s hit song, You’re the Inspiration.
Thank you, Bryant Turbeville. You are missed.
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Notes from the Trail
The Personal Blog of Jeff Noble
Info: From the misty hills of Virginia, "Notes from the Trail" seeks to encourage you on your journey. Written by a graphic designer-pastor, this blog is a blend of humor, insight, and faith discovery.
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Jeff,
Thanks for sharing this. It brings back great memories of Bryant.
I know Bryant’s parents and had him give an injection in my spine a couple of years back. Truly a beautiful family. You touched my heart with your words. You truly are and were a friend for life. Those are like diamonds. You dig a lot of coal to find one and appreciate it. God Bless.
Its been 44 years since I have seen or contacted Bryant’s dad. Joe is one of my favorite Phi Lamb brothers. Joe and two other brothers and myself spent the summer of ’64 in Chicago working and living together in an apartment. We did similar fun things over 40 years ago that Jeff and Bryant did together as life repeats itself.
My deepest sympathy to the Joe’s family.
Fletcher Riffey, Pres Alpha Chapter
Phi Lamda Chi, 1964/65.
Bryant was the lab assistant when I took Chemistry at UALR. I haven’t seen him in probably 20 years, but I still remember him vividly! He made lab fun and interesting to someone who had never had Chemistry before! I was deeply saddened when I saw his obituary in the paper this morning. I go to Fellowship too and wish I had run into him there. To anyone reading this, if you haven’t read his obituary – find it and read it! It is the most moving one I have ever read.
I’m sorry to hear about your friend.
When a good friend of mine died that I hadn’t seen in a couple of years it was a really different grieving process. Since he wasn’t part of my everyday life, it was hard to convince myself that he was really gone.
.-= whimzie´s last blog ..Almost Wordless Wednesday =-.
I knew Bryant while we were both in medical school. We were in the same class and we always sat near each other in the lecture hall. With last names both ending in “T”, we also shared a cadaver during our freshman year; that was quite a bonding experience. Bryant was a great guy – kind, funny, smart, but humble. He had a ready laugh and was always able to make me feel better, even during the stress of medical school.
I had been out of touch with Bryant for many years, but happened to run into him while visiting my mother in Little Rock. He was just the same – the same resonant voice that I had remembered, the same sense of humor, the same kindness. We spoke a few more times over the past few months, and of course I shocked and saddened to hear that he had died.
Thank you for writing about Bryant. I enjoyed your memories of him and your tribute to him.
You were one of the first I thought of after hearing about Bryant’s death (after his family, of course). May God bless you with peace, Jeff, during this difficult time.
Jeff,
Thanks for writing about Bryant. In his words, he would have said that was so nice. I wasn,t sure if you had seen his obituary or if you knew the circumstances surrounding our use of Romans 8:28 in his obituary. As you know, God is in control… His timing is perfect and He has never made a mistake. Norma and I have been overwhelmed how Bryant touched so many lives and in so many ways that we never knew about. He was tenderhearted and empathetic toward others with a keen sense of humor. Many of our favorite “Bryant” stories involve none other than you, Jeff… We are so glad that you are in the ministry. Arkansas’ loss is Virginia’s gain.
__________________________________________________________
Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
GOODBYE OUR SON
Our 42 year-old son, Bryant, died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home from rupture of an aortic aneurysm about sunset on April 4th of this year, on Easter Sunday. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital but nothing could be done… he had died almost instantly. We (his mother Norma and I) returned to Bryant’s home from the hospital around 10 p.m. Still in shock and unable to even think of trying to sleep, we busied ourselves straightening his house, doing his laundry, etc., working through the night. Paperwork and housekeeping were definitely not his strong suits. He was a typical batchelor so we had a lot to do. Bryant was a kind and caring physician devoted to his patients, with many, many friends. He was very giving of his time and his resources, and worried little about money. As I helped Norma tidy up, I absent-mindedly picked up loose currency that he had left lying around in various places around his home. Some was wadded up, some neatly folded, others carelessly crumpled… $28.00 total amount, in eight little packets (one Twenty Dollar bill, six singles, and two One Dollar bills folded together). Normally, I would have straightened the bills and sorted them in my wallet. This time, I stuffed the money in my pocket as it was…. I did casually mention the total to my wife. The next day or so I struggled in writing Bryant’s obituary. For one thing, we were undecided on which bible verse to use given the unexpected nature of his death. As I finished the main text of the obituary, for some unknown reason at the time, I was prompted to include the word count in the closing. I inserted an estimate, finished writing, and then did the count… Eight hundred twenty eight words. My wife exclaimed, “Wasn’t that the money at Bryant’s? AND THERE IT WAS, perfect in every way, given to us we knew by our son (eight packets of money, totaling $28.00) and confirmed by our heavenly Father (828 words). The verse was Romans 8:28 (English Standard Version), “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Those that do not know God might say “just happenstance”…we knew it was God’s divine comfort and peace showered on us from above. I replaced the guesstimate with the real number, then, no more editing,not a single revision. It was finished. Through Bryant’s obituary, we wanted others to know our son as we had known him AND we wanted others to know Jesus as we have known Him. He is our redeemer; through Him the sting of death is removed. What would otherwise be sorrow is turned to unspeakable joy. Through Jesus’ resurrection all believers have the assurance of seeing Him and our loved ones that predecease us in faith one day in heaven. That is our blessed hope available to all through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Bryant knew that his last breath here would be his first breath in glory. God’s lovingkindness is immeasurable. We are all sinners, less than filthy rags before a Holy God, yet we are saved by His grace…the free gift of God. We deserve justice, but He gives us mercy. We are perfected in Christ. Our sins are washed away by His sacrifice, by His blood. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. If we but believe on Him and confess our sins, He is quick to forgive us, no matter our transgressions. There is no other way to heaven. We do not question God’s perfect timing nor ask why? We know He is in control… we are in perfect hands. To paraphrase Charles Spurgeon, God is all-knowing, he does not make a mistake…He loves us, he is not unkind…If we cannot see the hand of God in something, we can always trust His heart. During difficult times some people turn away from God. It is our prayer that we would look for the hand of God… it is always there for those that love Him…He has given us His complete assurance of that many times in the bible, but especially in Romans 8:28. His goodness abounds. His joy is limitless. He is our king. We thank God for our son and the time we were able to share with him. And finally, we pray, that through Bryant and his testimony, others will experience the hope and joy that is available only through Christ Jesus.
Following is Bryants obituary that ran in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on April 9th, 2010.
OBITUARY
Charles Bryant Turbeville, M.D.
July 25, 1967-April 4, 2010
Dr. Bryant Turbeville passed away unexpectedly on Easter. He followed our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through our showers of tears on the wings of angels into his heavenly home on Resurrection Sunday. Bryant is survived by his parents Dr. Joseph B. Turbeville and Norma J. Turbeville, and his devoted sister whom he adored, Ashley Elizabeth Turbeville. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph B. and Marcelle Turbeville of Little Rock, Arkansas and Charles W. and Maxine Castleberry of Greenbrier, Arkansas. Bryant was a much-loved son, grandson and brother.
Bryant graduated from Pulaski Academy in 1985 and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1989. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1994. After his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation he served as Director of Rehabilitation at White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas for three and one-half years, where he made many close friends. Afterward, he moved into private practice at Middle Tennessee Bone and Joint Clinic in Columbia, Tennessee. Bryant was practicing at Ortho Arkansas in Little Rock at the time of his death.
Bryant was kind and tenderhearted. He was faithful and steadfast through thick and thin. He will be missed by those that knew him. He immensely enjoyed helping his patients, or any one in need. He frequently spoke of his co-workers at Ortho Arkansas, whom he enjoyed working with and just being around. He was quick with a quip and enjoyed exchanging barbs with others.
He loved all his pets through the years, but especially his dog, Maggie, who has missed her big buddy the past few days. She buries up in his pillow, while watching the door expectantly for him to return.
Bryant loved sports. He usually rooted for the underdog unless his beloved Razorbacks were involved. Then, it was all out for the Hogs.
Bryant was a phenomenal cook. He had a gourmet kitchen with every appliance or cooking utensil known to man, large and small…and he used them all. Our fondest memories in recent years were holidays or other celebrations at his home. He took extraordinary measures to decorate for holidays and to create a party environment for birthdays or special accomplishments. You knew who the celebration was for when he hosted a party for you at his home. He had signage, appropriate for the occasion, sometimes humorous, always thoughtful, and other decorations that you saw as soon as you entered. He prepared elaborate dishes that not only tasted good, but looked as if they could grace the cover of a food magazine… And you knew you would receive a gift that was carefully thought out and selected… no last minute tie quickly pulled from the rack, or nondescript bottle of perfume…but something special that he knew that you wanted, or maybe never would have thought of for yourself, but he knew you would really enjoy. We often asked, “Where did you find that? followed by “I love it!†He made each of us feel very special when it was “our day†and he gave us all memories we will forever cherish.
Bryant attended Fellowship Bible Church since returning to Arkansas. He placed his faith in our blessed hope and savior, Jesus. He knew that no one is worthy, except through Christ… We deserve justice, yet God gives us grace. If we but believe and trust in Him and confess our sins, His shed blood washes us white as snow, perfect and blameless before a Holy God, now ready for heaven and all its’ glory. The last message that Bryant heard, “What do you see?,†was taken from John 20:1-10 and says it all. When we look at that empty tomb, and realize that Jesus is Risen!!!… then, what was grief is turned to hope, despair is turned to joy. Eloquently delivered by Pastor Mark Henry on Easter morning, little did we think then of the unspeakable joy our precious son Bryant would encounter that very day, as well as the peace and joy that sustains us, that is only available from Almighty God, and only for believers in the truth of His Word.
Bryant’s earthly remains will be cremated. As it has been written, ashes to ashes, dust to dust…, from whence we were created, so shall we return. Bryant, you were with us far too short a time, but we are so thankful to God for you. You graced us with your presence and we will carry you forever in our hearts. Son, we know this has perhaps been lengthy, but we wanted others to know you as we have known you, and others to know Jesus as we have known Him. Eight hundred twenty-eight words, far too few to convey our feelings and our love. Goodbye our son, until we meet again in Glory.
Oh what a Savior we have that gives us this most blessed of assurances.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 9th at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10th at the Roller-Chenal Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Bryant may be made to the UAMS Scholarship Fund – 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Bible Verse Romans 8:28 English Standard Version
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Visitation
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock , AR 72211
4/9/2010 from 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
Service
Memorial Service
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR 72211
4/10/2010 at 11:00 A.M.
Memorial Contributions
UAMS Scholarship Fund
4301 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR 72211
http://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
Thanks for sharing Jeff…..
Beth called me to tell me about his death. We too shared many a memory about Bryant – Mazzio Pizza, church &, of course, the infamous broken mirror incident in the 300z. I’m still jealous of that car….
He is missed.
Carrie Moore
For those who knew Bryant and have a favorite story, please share it at http://www.rememberingbryant.com. We have heard many delightful and humerous stories as well as heartwarming ways that he touched people’s lives. we hope to publish these in the future.
Deborah Dinwiddie
June 5th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
I was a patient of Dr Turbeville for quite a while after an injury on the job, He was the kindest caring and truly genuine Dr that i have ever encountered, his patient and gentle way of talking eased many day’s of frustration and through our conversations i found him to be a truthful and very funny Man he became dear to me and i trusted him completely every word that he spoke he spoke with honesty and every visit i was met with a smile, encourging words and much laughter, He was great at his profession and it suited him well. It was evident that he too was a believer and his light reflected it. I fondly remember the day he entered the room face a little red and he was a bit disturbed I laughed and asked what in the world happened to you he replyed that his previous patient was not being truthful and everytime he touched her she acted like she was in so much pain and I asked how did he know that she wasnt he replyed i’ll show you as we began moving, bending and stooping I began to sweat quite a bit he got this easy smile on his face and replied now you know! she never even broke a sweat, I caught my breath and replied but did you have to take it out on me? He made me feel like I was truly important and that indeed it was not about money but about helping me get back on my feet. Thank you for such a great Son Job well done.
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