Michael Clarence Turbeville, 73, of Gainesville, Texas passed away on August 27, 2024. He was born on March 31,1951, in Gainesville, Texas to Clarence Smith Turbeville, and Lillian Marie (Rivoire) Turbeville. During his years at Gainesville High school, he excelled in all sports. He graduated in 1969 and continued his education at the University of North Texas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in History. He taught and coached for 35 years. He started his teaching career at Sacred Heart, went on to St. Jo and Callisburg. In 1991, he found his home with Gainesville ISD, where he was known as “Coach T” to his students. He was a master storyteller of possibly fabricated occurrences. Mike never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone. When Mike was not teaching or coaching, you would find him hunting and fishing at Leeper Lake or watching westerns on TV.
Mike was proud to be a teacher and even more proud of his three children, Joe, Scott and Tara and his grandchildren. He is survived by his son, Scott Turbeville, his wife, Carrie Turbeville and his daughter, Tara Haverkamp, her husband, Zach Haverkamp. Also, his grandchildren, Tyler, Hunter, Walker, Kinzy, and Rileigh Turbeville, Logan and Blair Haverkamp.
Preceded in death by his parents Clarence Smith Turbeville, Lillian Marie (Rivoire) Turbeville, and his son, Joe Turbeville.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 12:00 pm with visitation to follow at Meador Funeral Home, 1204 E. California Street, Gainesville, Texas. Cremation arrangements will be held under the direction of Meador Funeral Home.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Gainesville.
May you soul find peace in heaven old friend. My condolences to all the family…
Prayers for Family and Friends. Mike was a wonderful man. Never knew a stranger. May Our Lord Comfort and help all of you through this difficult time. Peace be with all of you.
You will be missed Coach. Thanks for putting up with us when we were knuckleheads. You only yelled when we deserved it and we could always tell you did it because you liked us. You always winked at us a few minutes later to let us know we were good. You were great to all of us and will be remembered fondly. Thanks for everything.
Best Coach and Neighbor a fellow could want. Will be missed by many. Praying for your family. FLY HIGH COACH
Mike was a great friend. I enjoyed being around him so much. He will be missed by so many people. My condolences to his family. He will always occupy a very special place in my heart.
My thoughts as well. Perfectly said , Lloyd . Thank you !
Coach T was one of my favorite teachers. He made learning entertaining and knew how to keep a class engaged with his wild stories. RIP Coach, the MikeGyver club will miss you!
Beautifully and perfectly written! Praying for you all!
I just learned of the passing of Mike. We go way back. I haven’t seen Mike in years, but I was so sad to learn of his passing. All of the family ae in my prayers. May GOD bless each and everyone of the family members. He will be missed. He was a great guy. Chip Claxton
Prayers and comfort for his family.
I’m am so sorry for your loss. We go way back and I hated hearing of Mike passing. Prayers for the whole family. May God bless each and everyone. Chip
Rest in Peace old friend. Join C.S. and Joe, tie on that original Bomber and catch some big ones on that Heavenly lake. 🙏🏻
Mike always made me smile and even though I didn’t know him until the past few years I am fortunate to have called him a friend. Rest peacefully Mike ♥️
Mike was an incredible person, and he is a great loss to his family and the community. He will be welcomed in heaven for sure.
Coach T was one of a kind and a truly great teacher, coach, leader, mentor, and friend to so many GHS students over the years, myself included. I’ll never forget the fun times we had as seniors during Friday MikeGyver Club meetings. The stories and “tall tales” Coach T used to tell, no matter how ridiculous some of them might have been, were always hilarious and made us laugh.
Thoughts and prayers to the Turbeville family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Coach T.
Godspeed to family and friends of Mike “Coach T” Turbeville. He was a good friend and it’ll be good to meet him again.