Willie Earl Turner

Good bye for now.  If you are reading this message, that means God has finally closed my eyes to sleep.  Thank you, heavenly Father.

God blessed me to live ninety-two years.  And for that, I am thankful.  I lived to have four generations born to this family, and I am the fifth generation.

Born on September 13, 1926 to Lula and Agnew Turner.  I grew up on an old plantation, working hard farming the land.

I grew as a member of the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church and was ordained as a deacon in 1953.

I met and married Florence Slay.  To this union was born nine children.  I farmed during the early years of my life until I was hired on at the paper mill, which is now, Georgia Pacific.  I only had a seventh-grade education.  But, after being hired on at Georgia Pacific, I had the opportunity to go to night school where I earned my GED.

I wanted my children, to learn and know the value of a good education.  And if you really want something that’s worthwhile, you have to work hard for it.  I know my example paid off.

I was preceded in death by my parents, Lula and Agnew; one sister, Edna Mae Norris.

I leave to cherish my memories: my nine children – you all are my heart; Sadie Pleasure, Ruth Love, Shirley Abell, Connie Moss, Eurial (Thelena) Turner, Agnes (Curtis) Dubose, Elizabeth Robinson, Bennie Ruth White, Debra Ann Turner; twenty-seven grandchildren, forty-seven great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; my baby sister, Annie Ruth Hampton.  I love you “doll.”  A host of nieces and nephews, friends and family members.