Wells Rutland Turner, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Wells was born February 5, 1943, in Sheffield, Alabama. At the age of three, he moved with his parents to Monroeville, Alabama. Wells had a wonderful and idyllic childhood and enjoyed playing baseball and football serving as center for 1961 only ever state championship team of Monroeville. He worked mowing yards and had three paper routes. He was active in Boy Scouts and attended Boys State. Wells graduated in 1961 and entered Howard College, later Samford University, and graduated in 1966 from McWhorter School of Pharmacy.
In 1964, he met and married Esther Hankey. Together they made their home in Cullman. Wells grew to love his adopted Cullman and became a faithful citizen, involving himself in the First United Methodist Church and later First Baptist Church of Cullman and the local community. He served and was involved in Kiwanis Club, the Board of First Federal Savings and Loan, and was instrumental in establishing the first Hospice of Cullman County. Wells was always available to serve his church and community and was awarded the Emma Marie Eddleman Citizenship Award. He was known for assisting those in need both physically and monetarily, especially those customers who needed help with their medicine.
He was a board member of Fellowship Christian Athletes of North Alabama.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Esther; a son, Wells Rutland Turner, III “Rusti” (Christy); a daughter, Rose Ann Moran (Michael); grandchildren, Wells Rutland Turner, IV, Annelise Claire Turner, Graydon Turner Moran, Charles Wilson Moran and Jordan (Jose) Rodriguez; great-grandchildren, Harper, Cooper, and Matilda “Tilly” Rodriguez and a host of nieces and nephews.
Wells was predeceased by his parents, Wells and Frances Turner, John (Elizabeth) Turner, Margaret Rose Templin (George).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to Cullman First Baptist Church Building Fund, Beeson School of Divinity, FCA of West Alabama or FCA of Northwest Alabama.
A memorial service will be Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at First Baptist Church, Cullman at 12 noon. The family will receive friends from 10-12 at the church prior to the service.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
