Thomas Edward Turner

Naples, FL

Thomas Edward Turner, 85, of Naples, safely docked on heaven's shores and was greeted by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 3, 2017.

Thomas was born on July 19, 1931 in Nokomis, Florida, the 7th child of Elisha (Pappy) and Marion Turner. His love for the being on the water and fishing began with his family's residence… a houseboat. Traveling up and down the coast of Florida, he began school in the Keys. Eventually, his family settled in Naples, Florida. He graduated from Naples High School.

On May 15, 1953, Thomas married his high school sweetheart, Lula Mae Brown. The couple was blessed with four children: Patricia, Thomas, Jr., Aileen, and Gregory.

Very shortly after being married, he was called to serve his country in the chemical division of the US Army during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge he returned home to the bride he had left behind only weeks after their wedding.

Thomas and three of his brothers owned and operated three businesses in Naples: E. Turner & Sons, Turner Seafood, and Turner Marine. Thomas was a master boat carpenter. One of his greatest pleasures was commercial fishing out in the gulf.

As a charter member of Faith Bible Church, he loved worshiping and fellowshipping with his church family. He took great joy in meeting people's needs. He especially enjoyed the church's annual fish fry. Until he was no longer able, he could be found frying fish and making hush puppies.

Thomas will be remembered as a strong, loving and gentle man who unconditionally loved his family. His favorite times were those spent with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Thomas will be greatly missed by his wife of nearly 64 years, Lula Mae Turner, his four children: Patricia (Larry), Thomas, Jr. (Terry), Aileen (Joseph), and Gregory (Miguel), his 7 grandchildren (Jessica, Tiffany, Jennifer, Travis, Julie, Kyle, and Stephen), his 11 great grandchildren ( Noah, Joseph, MacKenzie, Olivia, Nickolaus, Riley, Emerie, Turner, Rose, Grace, and Tenley) and his brothers Winford and Leslie (Duke) Turner and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 6 siblings (Lillie Belle, Archie, Ralph, Marion, Nicholas, and Barbara).

Visitation will be held at 10 am Friday, May 12th at Faith Bible Church, 6464 Immokalee Road, Naples, Florida. A funeral service honoring and celebrating his life will follow at 11 am with Rev. Grant Thigpen officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Avenue North, Naples, Florida 34108.