David Turnbull

David Turnbull died peacefully at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington on Friday, May 13,
2022.
Born in Granville, New York, David was the first of 8 children born to parents, Frank and Ellen
Turnbull. His father (a Presbyterian minister) and mother’s faith influenced David’s early life and
ongoing compassion and kindness.
A longtime resident of North Carolina, David was an Emergency Department Physician at New
Hanover Regional Medical Center for 26 years. He was a founding partner of Eastern Carolina
Emergency Physicians and Medac Urgent Care.
David had great love for others. He offered respect to everyone he encountered, blessing many
along his way. He was a role model. He could make a person smile even when pulling a nail out
of their foot. He cherished moments with his family and friends. David loved adventure,
especially outdoors. He loved to ski, making both snow and water look easy. A natural coach,
David played tennis and volleyball, thriving most in support of his kids and their own athletic
endeavors. He and Mary, his surviving wife, tended their garden together for years.
Doctor Turnbull is preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Borsuk, mother of Jeffrey and
Jason Turnbull, as well as his brother, Paul, and parents, Frank and Ellen Turnbull.
He is survived by a large, blended family. He leaves behind his wife, Mary Turnbull of
Hampstead, and children: Jeffrey Turnbull (Kendall), Jason Turnbull (Christa), Jay Stoda
(Lindsay), Meghan Stoda Mullen (John), and Ryan Turnbull (Carmela).
David will be remembered by 8 grandchildren, Saraiah Turnbull (Haley Luce), Aidan Turnbull,
Fiona Turnbull, Milo Turnbull, Evan Stoda, Jack Mullen, Marin Stoda and Matthew Mullen.
Saraiah, the oldest, has followed her Pop Pop into the medical field.
He also leaves behind six siblings, Margaret Suters, John Turnbull, Joseph Turnbull, Mary Ellen
Johnston, Elma Jessen, and Janie Weatherford.
A private family service will be held this summer in Tennessee, followed by a celebration of life
in Wilmington this fall. Details forthcoming.
The family would like to thank Lower Cape Fear LifeCare of Wilmington for their care. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare of Wilmington, 1414 Physicians
Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or The Nature Conservancy.