Jeffery L. Turner

Jeffery “Jeff” Lynn Turner departed this life on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.  Born on September 10, 1942, Jeff is preceded in death by his parents: Thomas Edward Turner and Pearl Ellen Hamilton Turner. Jeff spent his formative years in Searcy, Arkansas; he was an avid tennis player and served as piano player for his family church, Christ Temple Holiness Church.   

Jeff completed his undergraduate studies at Philander Smith College where he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He earned an Executive MBA at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.  Throughout his professional career, Jeff worked in the banking and petroleum industries.  Apart from postings in Australia, New Zealand, and England, Jeff spent the bulk of his professional career in Chicago, Illinois.  Following his retirement from Amoco Oil Company in 1998, Jeff sought warmer climates and ultimately moved to Fleming Island, Florida in 2006.    

Having studied piano from an early age, Jeff was an accomplished and sought- after musician.  He directed and founded a number of musical groups, including the Turner Ensemble. He played for professional, contemporary, and gospel singers throughout his life. He served as musical director for numerous churches in communities in which he lived.  He was an accomplished photographer who chronicled the lives of his family and friends through pictures.  As an avid tennis enthusiast, he enjoyed following the tennis circuit including attending Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Grand Prix.  Following his retirement and move to Florida, Jeff returned to his love of music and spent considerable time in his home recording studio as well as serving as music director for St. James AME Church in Orange Park, Florida.   

In addition to his passion for music and tennis, Jeff enjoyed exploring the latest computer technology and spent many hours building and repairing computers. He was a self-described “news junkie” who loved a good argument about the political state of affairs. He was a true animal lover and always spoiled his dogs.       

During his life, Jeff was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend.  To mourn his passing and celebrate his life, he leaves sisters, Beaulah Turner Bowman of Bartlett, Tennessee, Margaret Turner Williams (Willie) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Ida Turner Davis (Timothy) of Winston-Salem, NC, Tommie Yvette Turner of St. Louis, Missouri, and Gwendolyn Y. Turner of Fleming Island, Florida; nieces, Teyra Bowman Hurtt, Tondra Bowman, and Adia Davis; nephews, George Edward Williams and Jermaine Andre Williams; two great nephews Myles and Mason Williams; and one great niece, Danielle Elyse Hurtt.  Jeff also leaves a host of devoted and lifelong friends, relatives, and church family members.

“His lord said unto him,Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Matthew 25:23.

A Celebration of Life Service honoring Jeff will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018  at 2:00 p.m. at  Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

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