[1] Since the early 1970s, Turnbow has curated, judged, and lectured at a multitude of quilting events throughout the United States and Canada.

[2] His design have been commissioned by Spartex, Inc., Stencil House,[3] and Benartex, Inc.[4] Turnbow was born in Shamrock, Texas, on October 1, 1930.

[3] Turnbow first received national exposure in 1978, when he was asked by the West Virginia Department of Culture and History to consult on and organize a quilt show.

[3][6] In 1988, Turnbow and Betty Boyink founded and curated the Hoffman Challenge,[1] a national contest of quilted wall hangings, clothing, and dolls.

[2] Turnbow has designed and made garments for two invitational exhibits; "Statements", which was sponsored by P and B Fabrics, and the Fairfield Fashion Show.

[1] Included in Turnbow's designs was a series based on quilts from the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.

He was also featured in the book Men and the Art of Quiltmaking by Joe Cunningham, published by the American Quilter's Society.