Barnesville, GA – April 16, 2024: It was 1982 in a Carrollton, Georgia arcade. Amid the bustling sounds of “waka-waka-waka” from the Ms. Pac-Man machine and Mario hurdling over rolling barrels in Donkey Kong, a young ninth grader named Sonya Goldin met Danny Turner, the charismatic arcade owner and a junior at West Georgia College. This encounter marked the beginning of a great love story. Yet, their romantic destiny would not come to fruition until years later, crafting a love story for the ages.
Reconnecting as adults, they forged a relationship that blossomed into a marriage celebrated at First Baptist Church of Bremen. The ceremony was memorable for a moment of bravery: Danny sang “Lady” by Lionel Richie to Sonya, conquering his nerves to deliver a performance that would become a cherished memory for both. “I remember being petrified because I had to sing. I couldn’t believe I promised her I’d do it,” Danny shared about the experience. He also had been dealing with a horrible cough for days but miraculously got through the ceremony without an issue. Danny remembered, “Before I walked into the sanctuary, I took a cough drop out of my mouth and sat it on a rail outside the church. I did not cough once during the wedding. When the ceremony ended, I started coughing again, so I picked up that old cough drop on my way by and popped it back in my mouth.”
The bride had a hard time recalling some of the things that happened on that day in Bremen, Georgia. “I do not remember every detail of our wedding ceremony because I took a nerve pill on an empty stomach, and it made me very drowsy,” said Sonya. “I wasn’t even nervous, but I was afraid I would become nervous walking down the aisle in front of all the guests.”
Their journey through marriage has been one of both challenge and profound companionship. They have faced obstacles such as Sonya’s homesickness after moving away from her family and Danny’s serious health scares—two major heart attacks. “His heart attacks reminded me of how fragile life can be and the importance of cherishing each moment together,” Sonya reflected. Yet, through every difficulty, their bond deepened, strengthened by shared experiences and the support they consistently offered each other.
Home improvement projects, attending sporting events, and spending quality time with family have been staples of their life together. Beyond their own relationship, Danny and Sonya have worked to set a positive example for their family. A unique family tradition that has kept their home joyful is their special way of celebrating Christmas. Being a blended family, they adapted their celebrations to ensure inclusivity and warmth for all family members. “Santa Claus always came to the Turner house a day early as a favor so Vanna, Chris, Grant, and Hayley could enjoy Christmas morning together, even though it was actually the morning of the 24th of December,” Danny explained. This tradition not only accommodated their family dynamics but also emphasized their willingness to break from tradition so the family could share this experience together.
As they mark thirty years of marriage, their anniversary plans are delightfully modest yet profound, a testimony to their appreciation for the simple things in life. They plan to celebrate with a visit to Dairy Queen for Blizzards. Ice cream is a fan favorite in the Turner house.
Looking ahead to the future, the Turners eagerly anticipate retirement. They envision it as a time rich with opportunities for home renovations and deeper relaxation together. “We are both homebodies, so we will enjoy being home together and working on more home improvement projects,” Sonya shared.
For Danny and Sonya, the secret to a long and happy marriage lies in being best friends, sharing life’s daily moments, and keeping laughter alive. Sonya advises couples to “pray for each other. Attend church together as a family. Make your relationship a priority in your life,” while Danny emphasizes the importance of shared interests, saying, “Aside from the standard things people often say, I would say make sure you like the same music. I am saying a lot of things when I say that. There’s a lot of music in life you need to listen to. You want to be able to listen to that same music with someone that you love.”
Danny and Sonya Turner’s love story is not merely about enduring love but about building a life filled with shared values, laughter, and mutual respect—a true testament to what it means to grow together in love.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
