He was a graduate of Murphy High School Class of 1957 and the University of Alabama Class of 1962 where he earned a Batchelors degree in Geology. After graduation, he worked with the Corp. of Engineers from 1961 until 1963. He worked with the Alabama Geological Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey from 1963 until 1968, mapping four counties and making ground water maps for these counties. In 1968, he was hired by the State Oil and Gas Board as Regional Supervisor over oil and gas industry in Southern Alabama. After 15 years with the Oil and Gas Board, he went into the consulting business in 1983 until his retirement. After retirement, he was the owner and operator of The Iron Skillet Restaurant in Citronelle for many years where they were famous for their “skillet burgers” and their “all you can eat seafood buffets.” Mr. Turner was a longtime member of Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church for over 40 years and was an inspiration and guiding light to many. His main goal in life was to bring as many people to Christ as possible. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter and a mentor to many young men. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Vesta Turner; his step-son, Scott Nolan Mann; and sisters, LaRone Sanders and Olive Stafford. He is survived by his wife, Norma L. Turner; son, James D. “Buddy’ Turner (Alisa); daughter, Krista T. Viator (Paul); step-son, Victor Mann (Jessica); grandchildren, Claire Ashley Turner Drake and Chloe Ashton Turner; six step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. from Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 9 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery. Active pallbearers are John Richardson, Scott Chandler, Garett Howell, Elvin Pierce, Danny Landrum, Eian Mann, Chris Christian and Marcus Howell. Honorary pallbearers are Harles Edwards, Dale Byrd, Chip Turner, Ed Smith, Charlie Parker, Gregory Cunningham, Jim Moore, Glen Ketcham, Jack Foster, Darrin Shirah, Ron Shockley, MacLain Byrd and Ken Lowery. He will forever be known for carrying many Rickarby Park champion titles.
