Swansboro- Austin James "AJ" Turnage, 25, passed away February 21, 2023 at ECU Healthcare in Greenville.  He was born August 19, 1997 in Jacksonville, NC.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, February 27, 2023 at 1:00pm at Triune Church in Maysville with Pastor Jerry Smith officiating.  The family will receive friends Sunday from 5-7pm at Jones Funeral Home-Swansboro.

AJ was a loving son, fiancé, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend.  He truly loved life.

He found joy in Panther's football, UNC basketball, fishing, music, his dog Charlie, and spending quality time with his family, fiancé, and friends. Although the last 6 years of his life was faced with a tough battle of fighting cancer his faith and hope never wavered.  He was determined to keep fighting and to never give up.  AJ always maintained a positive outlook no matter the circumstances.  He is NOW cancer free with no pain, no suffering, and spending eternal life peacefully in Heaven.

He is survived by his parents, Michael and Helen Watson Turnage, Sr. of the home; fiancé, Kally Holloman of Swansboro; brothers, Michael Turnage, Jr. of TX and Tyler Turnage of Swansboro; nephews and nieces, (Bowen, Carson, Olivia, Everlee, Austin, and baby Turnage); maternal grandmother, Frances Watson of Swansboro; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his two papa's; grandma, and his uncle Gene.