Richard Thomas Turner Jr., 87, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016.
Mr. Turner was a resident of Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veteran’s Home in Pell City, Alabama and a member of Berea Baptist Church.
A Native of Lawrence County, Mr. Turner joined the Army Air Corps during World War II and returned after the war to graduate from Lawrence County High School. In 1952, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Auburn University and soon after, began his career as Assistant County Agent for Marshall County. Later, he returned to Lawrence County to teach and coach basketball at Mt. Hope High School. In 1963, he was appointed to serve in the Governor’s Cabinet as the Assistant Director of Conservation. He served two terms under Governors George and Lurleen Wallace until 1968, when he returned to his hometown of Moulton, as the Director of the Muscle Shoals Technical Institute. In 1974, he became the Dean of the Technical Division at Calhoun Community College. He served as Chief Deputy under Lawrence County Sheriff, Dan “Snooks” Ligon 1983-1987, and retired from law enforcement in 1993 as Courtland’s Chief of Police.
Mr. Turner always considered it an honor to serve his country, his state, and his community, whatever the need. It was with even greater devotion that he served and loved his family.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ila Mizell Turner; his parents, Richard Sr. and Lorene Hill Turner; and two sisters, Corinne Moats and Doris Putman.
He is survived by son, Rick Turner (Becky), of Moulton; daughter, Susan Whittle (Steve), of Talladega; grandchildren, Kara Collins (Christopher), of Wildwood, Missouri; Wyatt Montgomery (Ashley), of Moulton; and Mike Whittle (Becca), of Hartselle; great-grandchildren, Emily and Sarah Collins, Luke Montgomery, and Camden Whittle; as well as brothers, JE Turner, of Moulton, and Wayne Turner, of Moulton.
Arrangements are being handled by Lawrence Funeral Home in Moulton. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Liberty United Methodist Church, with visitation at the church beginning at noon. Burial will be at Liberty United Methodist Cemetery.
