The Joey Guest Memorial Foundation - The Change Starts With You 9-21-2024

This Foundation is in memory of the late Joey W. Guest. Joey was born June 29, 1969 in Cleveland, TN and moved to Martin when he was 3. He was always the life of the party and loved his family and friends. He loved sports more than anything, especially The Big Orange Football or watching his Capitals on the ice and of course you can't forget about over the fence homeruns at Dodger Stadium. Joey grew up playing baseball on rec leagues but most of all, his passion was playing football for Martin Jr High and continued playing under Friday night lights till the end of his Westview High School years till he graduated in 1987. He went on to continue his studies at the University of TN at Martin but didn't finish..at first. Later he went back, graduating from UTM in 1999 with a degree in Communications . He loved his motorcycle and if he wasn't on it, then you could bet there was either a rod & reel or a camera in his hand. He was a sports writer for the Weakley County Press for a number of years till he had an opportunity to work for a marketing company for Nascar. After 5 years with that he decided it was time to come home to be able to spend more time with his son. After all, he was playing football now too and dad had to be there to watch. He loved life and made the best of it, the best way he knew how. He was a member of the Sons Of The American Legion and was always there to help when needed for anything. On February 20, 2011, tragedy struck and Joey was out on his bike not knowing that would be his last ride. Joey was an amazing father, brother, son, and husband and couldn't ask for a better friend. We all miss him everyday and this memorial run helps keep his memory alive for all of us friends and family alike. I know he wouldn't have it any other way and he would be so proud of what we have accomplished so far.

On October 23rd, 2023 Brian Turnbow was at work. One of his employee’s noticed his face was starting to droop on the right side. They advised him to go to the doctor. With that being a common sign of a stroke and him not in the right state of mind, he drove straight home instead of seeking medical attention. A co-worker did call his girlfriend to let her know he was headed to the doctor, she called him and realized he was at home. So she rushed home and called 911. He was flown out by Air Evac to Jackson Madison County Hospital. Family later found out he had a 90% blockage leading to his brain that caused the stroke. He was in ICU for a few days before transferring to a room where the journey officially began. Brian was in very serious condition. He couldn't move, couldn't talk, and was not himself at all. It was later determined by his doctors the stroke was actually caused due to him getting hit in the head a days prior. He started occupational therapy and physical therapy while in Jackson. He was later transferred to Cane Creek where family started to see improvements. He continued to do occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. He was there a short time before insurance decided not to pay anymore. He then went to Baptist rehab in Union City where he received excellent care from all the staff. He continued all his therapy, and was thriving in all of it. While he was in rehab, and was nowhere near ready to go back to work, his employer let him go, because he was not back at work in an ample time. That caused Brian to suffer, and wonder how bills are gonna get paid. His son, Dalton, started a gofundme page to help his dad out with all the expenses needed. All money that was raised was given to Brian to help out but that was nowhere near enough. When the month was over he lost his insurance. Therefore, he couldn't continue his rehabilitation. While he was in the last month of having insurance Brian continued to go to the doctor for his shoulder. His stroke affected all of his right side so his right shoulder continually dragged down causing him to have a labrum tear and a rotator cuff tear. He eventually was able to get on Tenncare and went back to therapy. He had surgery on his shoulder, and is back on track where he needs to be for rehabilitation. Brian has worked his entire life as a business owner, first responder and a manager to have it all stripped away from a stroke. Brian continues to stay positive through the last few months and knows God has looked after him and kept him here for a reason.

In 2011 we lost an amazing friend. It didn't take long to decide we needed to keep his memory alive by doing what he loved to do, helping others. In no time, family and friends got together to form an annual poker run to benefit families for whatever they may need. Whether it's to help with medical expenses or setting up a trust fund for a child who lost a parent, or anything in between. In the last 13 years we have raised just over $168,000 and we're not done yet. We hope to continue this event for many years to come. Joey left behind a legacy and we plan to keep his memory alive by continuing to help families who could use our help each and every year. 14 years ago most of us barely knew each other's name. Now we are all FAMILY!!