William Howard Turner

William Howard “Will” Turner, age 70, passed away on February 24, 2022, at Wake Forest Baptist Health, Lexington Medical Center in Lexington, NC. He was born on June 1st, 1951, in Jackson, Mississippi, and grew up in Bessemer, Alabama.

Will entered the Air Force in 1970 and served 4 years as a Weapons Control System Mechanic, and Fire Control Mechanic, mostly on Phantom jets in Korea and Thailand. He earned an Associate’s Degree at Pensacola Junior College, with Honors, and completed the Electrician Apprenticeship Program while working at Baroco Electric in Pensacola. He later went on to become a Master Electrician.

In 1990, Will began his career with the United States Postal Service as an Electronics Technician, maintaining postal processing equipment for 29 years, until his retirement.

Will met his wife, Cynthia (Cindy) in 1984, and they married in 1987. She was undoubtedly the love of his life.

Will always loved aviation, and earned his Private Pilot License in 1993, and ultimately purchased his own single engine airplane in 2019. He enjoyed flying in the Southeastern U.S. and was a member of Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association (AOPA). He encouraged his wife to learn to fly; she also earned her Pilot’s License in 1994, which enabled them to enjoy flying together.

Will enjoyed running, and cycling and participated in many events, including several Warrior Dash obstacle races with his wife and friends.

Will was a very kind man, with a tender heart that was often hidden, but helped friends and neighbors whenever he could. He loved animals, especially dogs.

He had a quick wit, and sometimes dry sense of humor and was almost always able to make just about anyone laugh.

His charming personality, kind spirit and sense of humor will be forever missed.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy (nee Lynn); his brother, Richard Turner (Peggy) of Ocean City, MD; his niece, Kelly DeSantos (Matthew) of MI; his brother-in-law, J.J. Millaway of Lexington, SC; his nephew, James Millaway (Christy) of VA; his niece, Rachel Bouknight (Bradley) of Lexington, SC; his brother-in-law, Eric Lynn (Kathy), and nephew, Eric, of Cincinnati, OH; as well as his aunt, uncle, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Bettye Jean House; his father, Joseph Roscoe Turner; and his sister, Lynn Millaway.

A celebration of life of Will is planned, but no date has yet been set.