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Celebrating the life of

Dr. Mohamed Dayee Turay

August 06, 1950 - November 15, 2007

Dr. Mohamed Dayee Turay

Dr. Mohamed Dayee Turay, 57, died Thursday, November 15, 2007 at his home in Savannah under the care of Odyssey Hospice.

Dr. Turay was a Sociology Professor at Savannah State University for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, Paulette Turay; daughters, Jameela, Fateema and Khaleela Turay, all of Savannah.

Visitation: 2:00-4:00 PM Sunday at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.

Funeral services and burial will take place in Lowell, MA.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 5102 Paulsen Street, Savannah, GA, 31405.

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GUEST BOOK

I am so sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a marvelous person who played as hard as he worked. I will always admire that about him. May he rest in peace and his legacy continue. Love, Andraya

- Andraya Mimms, Savannah, GA

Dr. Turay is truely a man to be missed. Dr. Turay was encouraging, loving, and he demanded nothing but the best from his students. I am proud to say that Dr. Turay is one of the people who encouraged me to keep going. I learned so much from him. He was truely a role model. I will miss you Dr. Turay. My God bless the Turay family and comfort in your time of need.

- Kimberly Green, Savannah, GA

To the family of Dr. Turay & SSU, Dr. Turay was a man of impecable character and he is one never to be forgotten. During my tenure at Savannah State Univerisity, I learned alot from Dr. Turay. I met him in the fall of 2001 when I declared my major as Sociology. I took all of the classes I possibly could from Dr. Turay because he was and will always be the eptiomy of an educator. His teaching style is one that will never be duplicated. He taught from his knowledge and not textbooks. I appreciated his teaching methods and the love he had for his students. He expected his students to learn and to excel in academics. Dr. Turay will be remembered as an intellectual, witty, and understanding individual. He wasn't merely an educator; he was also a confidant, mentor, and friend. The last memories I have of Dr. Turay is seeing him smiling at me when he attended my wedding two years ago. Three months ago, I went to see Dr. Turay to receive a recommendation letter to graduate school. We talked for hours and I will always be grateful to have met such a wonderful, caring person. To the family, hold all of your memories close to your heart. Dr. Turay will be greatly missed and I pray that you will be comforted during this grevious time.

- Angela Corinthian, Savannah, GA

To Mrs. Turay & Daughters, Just remember he's looking down on you and smiling, saying how much he love each and everyone of you. Dr. Turay will truly be missed. H was a very sweet and caring professor. Be Blessed.

- VERONICA COLLINS, Garden City, GA

I met Dr. Turay in the Fall of 2000 as a freshman and I was absolutely amazed and intrigued by his warm spirit and witty persona. During my tenure at SSU he served as my professor, my mentor, and my friend. He will truly be missed, but never forgotten. I am blessed to have known such an extraordinary individual. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. Sincerely, Ms. Patricia Harris SSU c/o 2003

- Patricia Harris, Poughkeepsie, NY

To The family of Dr. Turay, I am deeply saddened by the lost of a true person. Dr. Turay was a great man of great character. He was a professor, a teacher, a friend and a mentor that will never be forgotten. He was serious about his job and dedicated to teaching. I loved his teaching style. He taught and I learned. He was highly respected because he was serious about his students learning. He was always prepared for his classes and was highly educated on the subjects. I am grateful for what he has taught me. I am grateful to been educated by Dr. Turay. May God strengthen you all during your time of sorrow. Rest in Peace Dr. Turay!!! Gena Groover-Cason

- Gena Groover-Cason, Savannah, GA

When I entered the Sociology Program at Savannah State University, like most professors who converse amongst themselves about students, there were students who talk amongst other students about professors. Well, Dr. Turay was one of those professors that was talked about immensely. The talk was primarily about his teaching style. In that, he was VERY stern. In fact, some students would try to avoid taking his classes. For different reasons, they would say he's too hard, he does not play and will fail you, he gives too much work and so on. All the hype made me curious, I wanted to meet this man. I took three classes from him in one semester, my fellow classmates thought I'd lost mind. After meeting him,I found that Dr. Turay was a nice man, he just had very little tolerance for stupidity. He was there to teach and that is what he wanted to do with very few interruptions. I am very pleased to say that Dr.Turay shaped my study habits. The students were right, he did not play! But, he loved teaching students who loved learning. I loved his teaching, it made me a better student. I was forced to learn and do my best, due to his teaching style. I appreciated him and I will never forget him. I made two A's and one B that semester. He often, teased me about the fact that I would copy word for word during his lectures. But,that was fine by me, because I was able to give word for word in my answers on his tests. I am forever grateful to him for his teaching style. For those students who knew him and liked his style know that Dr. Turay will be sadly missed by the Sociology Department at Savannah State University.

- Mrs. Stacy A. Cooper, Savannah, GA

When I entered the Sociology Program at Savannah State University, like most professors who converse amongst themselves about students, there were students who talk amongst other students about professors. Well, Dr. Turay was one of those professors that was talked about immensely. The talk was primarily about his teaching style. In that, he was VERY stern. In fact, some students would try to avoid taking his classes. For different reasons, they would say he's too hard, he does not play and will fail you, he gives too much work and so on. All the hype made me curious, I wanted to meet this man. I took three classes from him in one semester, my fellow classmates thought I'd lost my mind. After meeting him,I found that Dr. Turay was a nice man, he just had very little tolerance for stupidity. He was there to teach and that is what he wanted to do with very few interruptions. I am very pleased to say that Dr.Turay shaped my study habits. The students were right, he did not play! But, he loved teaching students who loved learning. I loved his teaching, it made me a better student. I was forced to learn and do my best, due to his teaching style. I appreciated him and I will never forget him. I made two A's and one B that semester. He often, teased me about the fact that I would copy word for word during his lectures. But,that was fine by me, because I was able to give word for word in my answers on his tests. I am forever grateful to him for his teaching style. For those students who knew him and liked his style know that Dr. Turay will be sadly missed by the Sociology Department at Savannah State University.

- Mrs. Stacy A. Cooper, Savannah, GA

Jameela and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember Dr. Turay's bright smile as he teased me for having a 'small voice'. He will be missed. Great educators and loving fathers like Dr. Turay is something that this world is in need of. God Bless you all.

- Keisha Moultrie Leslie, Atlanta, GA

To the Turay Family: I met Dr. Turay during the summer of 2003. I was returning to college after being absent for 15 years and I was still undecided as to what area of study was right for me. I had Dr. Turay for Intro to Sociology and I really did not know what to expect. I remember the very first day of class and he began to lecture as he always did with each and every class. I went home that night open my notes and pushed them aside because I figured that I had time before he would give a test. I was wrong. He gave a pop quiz that very next day and I made a big, fat 'F'. I remember him saying that you just don't go home and push the book/notes aside. You have to study every night. From that point on, I knew that he was serious about his work. That semester, I received an A and I continued to seek out any and every class that Dr. Turay was scheduled to teach over the next four years. I always strived to do exceptional well in his classes because I noticed that he was very interested in what his students learned from him. He was very personable and honest. We would sit in his office and talk about personal issues that were occurring in my life and he would give me words of hope and encouragement. He believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. He met my oldest son and he also got a chance to met my youngest child even before he was born because I was still attending most of his classes while I was pregnant. We would often times sit and talk about my new baby and the goals that I wanted to pursue once I graduate from SSU. Dr. Turay inspired me so much that I finally decided that I would like to pursue a career on a collegiate level and that was something that I never even considered as a young adult. He even tried to advise me as to what direction I would have to take to get to the next level of teaching. His style was very simple, but others often tried to make him hard. His logic was that if you were in his class, you come to class everyday, pay attention, take notes, study daily, and you will pass the tests. It was that simple. He is and still will be my mentor and I will never forget him. It saddens me so very much because I just found out about his death this evening and I didn't have a chance to come out and pay my respects to him or his family. I had the pleasure of meeting Jameelah and I just want to say to you and your sisters that your father will always be a wonderful human being and God has him there with Him...safely in his arms. You all were so very lucky to have him as a father and a husband. To Dr. Turay, I will always remember our conversations, the instructions, and lessons that you gave to me over the past 4 years and I will never, ever forget you. I will make you proud of me by completing my studies at SSU. Its been a long and hard struggle for me and I don't know what I'm going to do when I cannot see your peaceful soul around campus when I return. I will miss you dearly. Yolonda Y. Howard

- Yolonda Y. Howard, Savannah, GA

I am so sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a marvelous person who played as hard as he worked. I will always admire that about him. May he rest in peace and his legacy continue. Love, Andraya

- Andraya Mimms, Savannah, GA

Dr. Turay is truely a man to be missed. Dr. Turay was encouraging, loving, and he demanded nothing but the best from his students. I am proud to say that Dr. Turay is one of the people who encouraged me to keep going. I learned so much from him. He was truely a role model. I will miss you Dr. Turay. My God bless the Turay family and comfort in your time of need.

- Kimberly Green, Savannah, GA

To the family of Dr. Turay & SSU, Dr. Turay was a man of impecable character and he is one never to be forgotten. During my tenure at Savannah State Univerisity, I learned alot from Dr. Turay. I met him in the fall of 2001 when I declared my major as Sociology. I took all of the classes I possibly could from Dr. Turay because he was and will always be the eptiomy of an educator. His teaching style is one that will never be duplicated. He taught from his knowledge and not textbooks. I appreciated his teaching methods and the love he had for his students. He expected his students to learn and to excel in academics. Dr. Turay will be remembered as an intellectual, witty, and understanding individual. He wasn't merely an educator; he was also a confidant, mentor, and friend. The last memories I have of Dr. Turay is seeing him smiling at me when he attended my wedding two years ago. Three months ago, I went to see Dr. Turay to receive a recommendation letter to graduate school. We talked for hours and I will always be grateful to have met such a wonderful, caring person. To the family, hold all of your memories close to your heart. Dr. Turay will be greatly missed and I pray that you will be comforted during this grevious time.

- Angela Corinthian, Savannah, GA

To Mrs. Turay & Daughters, Just remember he's looking down on you and smiling, saying how much he love each and everyone of you. Dr. Turay will truly be missed. H was a very sweet and caring professor. Be Blessed.

- VERONICA COLLINS, Garden City, GA

I met Dr. Turay in the Fall of 2000 as a freshman and I was absolutely amazed and intrigued by his warm spirit and witty persona. During my tenure at SSU he served as my professor, my mentor, and my friend. He will truly be missed, but never forgotten. I am blessed to have known such an extraordinary individual. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. Sincerely, Ms. Patricia Harris SSU c/o 2003

- Patricia Harris, Poughkeepsie, NY

To The family of Dr. Turay, I am deeply saddened by the lost of a true person. Dr. Turay was a great man of great character. He was a professor, a teacher, a friend and a mentor that will never be forgotten. He was serious about his job and dedicated to teaching. I loved his teaching style. He taught and I learned. He was highly respected because he was serious about his students learning. He was always prepared for his classes and was highly educated on the subjects. I am grateful for what he has taught me. I am grateful to been educated by Dr. Turay. May God strengthen you all during your time of sorrow. Rest in Peace Dr. Turay!!! Gena Groover-Cason

- Gena Groover-Cason, Savannah, GA

When I entered the Sociology Program at Savannah State University, like most professors who converse amongst themselves about students, there were students who talk amongst other students about professors. Well, Dr. Turay was one of those professors that was talked about immensely. The talk was primarily about his teaching style. In that, he was VERY stern. In fact, some students would try to avoid taking his classes. For different reasons, they would say he's too hard, he does not play and will fail you, he gives too much work and so on. All the hype made me curious, I wanted to meet this man. I took three classes from him in one semester, my fellow classmates thought I'd lost mind. After meeting him,I found that Dr. Turay was a nice man, he just had very little tolerance for stupidity. He was there to teach and that is what he wanted to do with very few interruptions. I am very pleased to say that Dr.Turay shaped my study habits. The students were right, he did not play! But, he loved teaching students who loved learning. I loved his teaching, it made me a better student. I was forced to learn and do my best, due to his teaching style. I appreciated him and I will never forget him. I made two A's and one B that semester. He often, teased me about the fact that I would copy word for word during his lectures. But,that was fine by me, because I was able to give word for word in my answers on his tests. I am forever grateful to him for his teaching style. For those students who knew him and liked his style know that Dr. Turay will be sadly missed by the Sociology Department at Savannah State University.

- Mrs. Stacy A. Cooper, Savannah, GA

When I entered the Sociology Program at Savannah State University, like most professors who converse amongst themselves about students, there were students who talk amongst other students about professors. Well, Dr. Turay was one of those professors that was talked about immensely. The talk was primarily about his teaching style. In that, he was VERY stern. In fact, some students would try to avoid taking his classes. For different reasons, they would say he's too hard, he does not play and will fail you, he gives too much work and so on. All the hype made me curious, I wanted to meet this man. I took three classes from him in one semester, my fellow classmates thought I'd lost my mind. After meeting him,I found that Dr. Turay was a nice man, he just had very little tolerance for stupidity. He was there to teach and that is what he wanted to do with very few interruptions. I am very pleased to say that Dr.Turay shaped my study habits. The students were right, he did not play! But, he loved teaching students who loved learning. I loved his teaching, it made me a better student. I was forced to learn and do my best, due to his teaching style. I appreciated him and I will never forget him. I made two A's and one B that semester. He often, teased me about the fact that I would copy word for word during his lectures. But,that was fine by me, because I was able to give word for word in my answers on his tests. I am forever grateful to him for his teaching style. For those students who knew him and liked his style know that Dr. Turay will be sadly missed by the Sociology Department at Savannah State University.

- Mrs. Stacy A. Cooper, Savannah, GA

Jameela and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember Dr. Turay's bright smile as he teased me for having a 'small voice'. He will be missed. Great educators and loving fathers like Dr. Turay is something that this world is in need of. God Bless you all.

- Keisha Moultrie Leslie, Atlanta, GA

To the Turay Family: I met Dr. Turay during the summer of 2003. I was returning to college after being absent for 15 years and I was still undecided as to what area of study was right for me. I had Dr. Turay for Intro to Sociology and I really did not know what to expect. I remember the very first day of class and he began to lecture as he always did with each and every class. I went home that night open my notes and pushed them aside because I figured that I had time before he would give a test. I was wrong. He gave a pop quiz that very next day and I made a big, fat 'F'. I remember him saying that you just don't go home and push the book/notes aside. You have to study every night. From that point on, I knew that he was serious about his work. That semester, I received an A and I continued to seek out any and every class that Dr. Turay was scheduled to teach over the next four years. I always strived to do exceptional well in his classes because I noticed that he was very interested in what his students learned from him. He was very personable and honest. We would sit in his office and talk about personal issues that were occurring in my life and he would give me words of hope and encouragement. He believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. He met my oldest son and he also got a chance to met my youngest child even before he was born because I was still attending most of his classes while I was pregnant. We would often times sit and talk about my new baby and the goals that I wanted to pursue once I graduate from SSU. Dr. Turay inspired me so much that I finally decided that I would like to pursue a career on a collegiate level and that was something that I never even considered as a young adult. He even tried to advise me as to what direction I would have to take to get to the next level of teaching. His style was very simple, but others often tried to make him hard. His logic was that if you were in his class, you come to class everyday, pay attention, take notes, study daily, and you will pass the tests. It was that simple. He is and still will be my mentor and I will never forget him. It saddens me so very much because I just found out about his death this evening and I didn't have a chance to come out and pay my respects to him or his family. I had the pleasure of meeting Jameelah and I just want to say to you and your sisters that your father will always be a wonderful human being and God has him there with Him...safely in his arms. You all were so very lucky to have him as a father and a husband. To Dr. Turay, I will always remember our conversations, the instructions, and lessons that you gave to me over the past 4 years and I will never, ever forget you. I will make you proud of me by completing my studies at SSU. Its been a long and hard struggle for me and I don't know what I'm going to do when I cannot see your peaceful soul around campus when I return. I will miss you dearly. Yolonda Y. Howard

- Yolonda Y. Howard, Savannah, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200