From the April 20, 2022 issue
of The Journal
By Richard Harris
The employees of T&R Custom in Ellaville surprised owner Ronnie Turner with a special celebration on April 12, 2022 to mark his 50th year in business. It was a simple office party with the presentation of a plaque and a cake, but the history of the company is far from simple and is one of the biggest smalltown success stories you'll ever hear.
When the 80-year-old Turner recalls his modest beginnings, he can hardly believe where he's at now – and just how many twists and turns there have been along the way.
Originally from Cuthbert, he dropped out of school in the 9th grade. While that's not a course of action he would recommend to others, he found a way to still succeed. It wasn't easy. His first job brought in $1.25 per hour and he knew he had to do something about his circumstances.
He decided on two simple actions: hard work and saving money.
"I had an aunt who told me there's more to saving than to making," he recalls. "I saved 25% of everything I made. I promised myself I would accomplish something and have some money in my pocket."
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