He was the middle son of the late John H. and Pauline Turner of Alamo, TN. He was a graduate of Alamo High School and attended West TN Business College. He joined National Bank of Commerce in 1968 which later became Union Planters Bank and currently Regions Bank, retiring as President of Regions branch in Henderson, TN. Throughout his career, Mr. Turner possessed a natural ability for Operations, Data Processing, Finance/Investments and served on many committees and Boards.
He was a gentle giant of a man, never putting himself first, always with a servant’s heart, from banking to his family, his community and his beloved Bemis United Methodist Church, serving as Treasurer for many years.
Mr. Turner was a member of the Jackson Exchange Club and was honored as Jackson’s Man of the Year. He volunteered many years at the Carl Perkins Center, loved the children and wanting every child to be what God meant for them to be, happy and safe. He maintained a wonderful working relationship with the Center’s staff. Through all these years he was a committed leader of Corporate Fundraising and as President of the Center’s Board of Directors. In addition, Mr. Turner served on the Board of the Jackson Arts Council, Treasurer of the West TN State Fair, was involved with the STAR Center in its infancy. He enjoyed being a member of the Bemis Historical Society, co-chairing their capital campaign and was also a member and Treasurer of the West TN Emmaus Community, becoming an Emmaus Walk Lay Director.
Since his retirement, Mr. Turner continued his interest in coin collecting and researching his family history. He still held his membership in the Alamo Masonic Lodge, was 32nd Degree Mason and past Master.
In every opportunity, through many years, Mr. Warner and Fran would often travel to many interesting states and other countries, taking in their culture and bringing home beautiful memories. Their favorites were visits to Alaska and the Great Smokey Mountains especially in the fall of the year.
Mr. Turner was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary N. Turner, retired Air Force Colonel in San Antonio, TX.
Mr. Turner is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Fran. They met when both were serving as volunteers at the Cerebral Palsy Telethon. They married on December 12, 1970 at Bemis United Methodist Church. His brother Ronnie Turner (Connie) lives in Alamo and he has a nephew, Shane Turner (Bailey). Other family members include Rickey Wilbanks, Debra Burke, Glen Yearwood (Jackie), Terri Lethco (George), and Ann Yearwood. He leaves a special cousin, Elaine Pearce of Rochester, NY, and two Goddaughters, Ann McGuire Cavin and Melody McGuire Clifton.
Mr. Turner always had a spirit of humility, giving God the praise for his many blessings and remaining steadfast in his faith.
George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 in the sanctuary of Bemis United Methodist Church, corner of B Street and Massachusetts Street. Visitation will be Tuesday in the church chapel area from 11am until 1pm. Following the service, burial will be at Ridgecrest Cemetery in Jackson.
Any expressions of memorials may be directed to Bemis United Methodist Church or to the Carl Perkins Center.
Mr. Turner will lie in state at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons between 5pm and 7pm on Monday, August 7, 2023 for those that wish to come by and pay their respects. The family will not be present at this time but will be present at the visitation at the church on Tuesday.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GASmithandSonsFuneralHome.com for the Turner family.
