Charles E. Turner, husband, dad, pastor, friend, WWII Marine Corps veteran, teacher, and Loyal Servant of his Redeemer. died Friday, June 20, 2014,
Charles joined his beloved Mary in the Heavenly presence of God.
Charles was born in Carroll County, Ga., to Buren and Mary Turner March 28, 1925. He lived his early years on a farm and attended school through the 10th grade near Carrollton, Ga.
In 1943, upon the death of his father, Charles joined the Marines. He served in the Pacific and spent some time in China. Upon his discharge he returned home, acquired his GED and attended West Georgia College. At West Georgia he met Mary Bates of Dalton. They were married April 18, 1947. They moved to Athens, Ga., where Charles attained his degree at the University of Georgia.
Charles worked at the University for 11 years as an illustrator. He was part of the formation of the Agricultural Engineering Department and took part designing and illustrating manuals teaching how to use modern methods for farming and care and maintenance of equipment.
During this period Charles moved his family to the community of Friendship outside Athens. He and his wife had four children; Steve, Randall (born and died 1949), Brian and Kay. They joined and were active in Friendship Presbyterian Church where Charles served as a deacon.
In 1960 Charles answered God's call to serve in the ministry. The family moved to Decatur, Ga. Here Charles attended seminary for three years. He then served three Churches in and near Carnesville Ga., for three years. After this he was called to Brainerd Hills. He served there for 11 years. During this time Charles was involved in the formation of the Presbyterian Church in America.
In 1977 Charles came to Prescott Presbyterian Church where he served for 15 years. In 1979 Charles and Mary moved to Prescott Valley. After his retirement as pastor at Prescott Presbyterian Charles served as a Chaplain with the Veteran's Administration until June 1999. Mary died in November 2008.
Charles' joys in life include his wife and family, gardening, fishing, teaching and mentoring, and the beauty of the world around him. Most of all was the increasing pleasure in the assurance of God's love that his faith continued to bring him and talking with others about it.
Charles and Mary are survived by their children and grandchildren:
Stephen Turner and wife JoAnn of Tunnel Hill, Ga.
Brian Turner and wife Beverly and son Matthew of Harrison Tn.
Kay Turner Moore and sons, Josh and Justin, and daughter Kaity of Haw River N.C.,
and foster daughter, Marti Nguyen Anderson and children Lindsay, Minh and Brittany of Chattanooga