Turk Bates

Tommie Hilmi Akbas, known as “Turk Bates” age 67, of State Road passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Cone Health-Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro.

Turk was born January 5, 1958 in Surry County to Kamil Akbas and Corina Bates Akbas. Turk loved oldies music and car shows. He also loved to race muscle cars at the drag strip and hanging out with his boy’s club at the garage.

In addition to his parents, Turk was preceded in death by brothers, Gayland Bates and Earl Akbas.

Survivors include his wife Susan Akbas, sons; Tommy Akbas, Joshua Akbas, daughters; Linda Jo Shore and husband Shannon, Samantha Burton and husband James, Alexis Akbas, brothers; Okan Akbas, Ertan Akbas, grandchildren; Brittany Hall, Savanna Shaw and wife Samantha Shaw, Chloe Shore, Abigail Burton, Anna Burton, Kyra Akbas, Areonna Akbas, great grandchildren; Evie, Bowen, special sister-in-law, Frankie Boyd.

The family will receive friends, Friday, February 14, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service. 

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Keith Wood and Rev. Jerry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Crestwood Memorial Gardens