James L. Turner, 86, was at home in Blue Ridge, Texas when he was called to be with the Lord on March 25, 2020. He was born on October 17, 1933 in Karo community (just three miles west of Copeville, TX) to parents Henry Luther and Iva (Jones). He married the love of his life, Sue Katherine Butler on March 20, 1953 in Copeville, Texas.
He proudly served his country in the U.S Navy. They moved to Blue Ridge, Texas in September 1964 after purchasing the Myriks Farm. He owned his own milk trucks and milk hauling company which lead to his employment with AMPI (Associated Milk Producers Inc.) He worked in the Arlington, Tx office and then the Regional/Corporate office in San Antonio, Tx as the Risk & Purchasing Manager until he retired with 35yrs of service.
In his spare time, he enjoyed raising greyhounds to race them and had many head of cattle as well as farmed the land. He was greatly cherished by family, friends and neighbors a like. He was always willing to help anyone, but rarely asked or any help himself. He was a very loving husband, father, brother, uncle and good friend.
He conducted himself with great honor, faith and was a man of his word. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge. He will be greatly missed by so many.
James is survived by his children, Daughter; Donna Sue Gelvin and husband Steven of Blue Ridge; Son; Dennis James Turner of Blue Ridge, Daughters; Darla Howell and husband Mike of Farmersville; Mindie Turner Boydstun and husband Trent of Blue Ridge; sister- in- law Helen Short of Blue Ridge.
His Grandchildren; Darrell Harrison, Michael Gelvin, Tiana Waggner, Keith Gelvin, Joshua Howell, Emily Howell, Lindsey Howell and Jade Boydstun and 11 great- grandchildren and numerous other loving relatives and friends.
James is preceded in death by his loving wife Sue Turner, his parents, Henry Luther and Iva O’Grady Turner, Sisters; Flora Turner Watkins and Dorothy Turner Weathered, Brothers; H.L. “Red” Turner, Glydwell “Doc” Turner, Caston Turner.
A Memoorial service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 2:00pm CT First Baptist of Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge TX. The Inurnment will be following the service at Blue Ridge Cemetery.