Thomas Turner's Obituary
THOMAS R. TURNER, 85, of Memphis passed away on March 27, 2010, surrounded by his family, after a life devoted to service of the Memphis community, to education, and to his church. Tom was born in Atlanta, GA on August 5, 1924, and graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He then served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. When he retired from Buckeye Cellulose after 40 years he was Division Manager for External Affairs. He was a Charter Member of Wesleyan Hill United Methodist Church, was Chairman of its Administrative Board, and taught Sunday School. Tom’s life was distinguished by his contributions to his community. The Volunteer Center of Memphis awarded him the Golden Rule Award as the “Top Volunteer in Memphis.” He originated the Rotary Club Teacher Excellence Award. Christian Brothers University awarded him the Maurelian Medal for “exceptional service to the university and to the wider community.” He was tireless in devoting his leadership to civic organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Boards of Agricenter International, the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, and Goodwill Industries. He was Vice Chairman of the Boards of the Airport Authority and Christian Brothers University. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Memphis, the Rotary Club, Memphis-in-May, Memphis Partners, and the Tennessee Independent College Fund. He participated actively with LeMoyne-Owen College, Goals for Memphis, MIFA, the Shelby County Mayors’ Task Force for Growth, the Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, and the Governor’s Job Skills Task Force. Tom was an effective fundraiser for the American Heart Association, United Way, Salvation Army, Memphis Arts Council, Memphis Orchestra Society, Cancer Society, Junior Achievement, Goodwill Industries, Memphis in May, and Christian Brothers University. Tom Turner is remembered by his many friends and colleagues as a warm person, soft spoken yet firm, who radiated optimism. He will be deeply missed by Doris B. Turner, his wife of 60 years, and by his two daughters, Terri Panitz and Lisa Turner, and five grandchildren. Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, March 29 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 30 at 10:30 am at Wesleyan Hills United Methodist Church with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Wesleyan Hills United Methodist Church.
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