Charles Edward Turner

Charles Turner

Funeral services Mr. Charles Edward Turner, 62, of Montrose will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 1:00 PM, at Williams Chapel Baptist Church located at 1142 Ga. Highway 29 South, in East Dublin, Georgia. Reverend William Nesbitt will officiate with Reverend Earl Turner, Reverend James Brown, and Reverend Willie L. Edmond assisting. Burial will follow in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Montrose, Georgia. Charles Edward Turner, Sr., husband, father, grandfather, educator, coach and a man of God, was born in Hawkinsville, Georgia on January 7, 1950, the fourth child of Mildred Turner, and the late Willie Lee Turner, Sr. Charles was the devoted husband of his high school sweetheart, Jessie M. (Jones) Turner who he married on December 22, 1971 in Dublin, Georgia. He was a 1969 graduate of Millville High School. During his high school years, he played basketball and baseball and was inspired by his teachers to pursue a career as an educator and coach. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War for two years and received an honorable discharge in 1972. He also served in the Navy Reserve for eight years. Charles received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from Savannah State College in 1975, Master Degree of Education from Georgia College in 1980 and a Specialist Degree of Education from Georgia Southern University in 1992. He was a dedicated member of the New Canaan Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board and Finance Committee. Charles was also a member of the Prince Hall Masonary Goodwill Lodge #595 in Dublin, Georgia Charles E. Turner, Sr. was a retired school teacher of the Laurens County School System of 30 years. Because of his love for educating the youth and his serene attitude towards the faculty and staff of East Laurens Middle School, he was awarded the “Teacher of the Year Award: for his school in 2000. During his tenure, he touched the lives of many and his strong sense of self preservation and moral values were exemplified in the classroom, on the football field and on the basketball court. He lived by the motto: Treat all children as if they are your own” and he executed this daily with all students. His passion for sports provided him with the great opportunity to become actively involved with coaching B-Team Football at East Laurens Middle School and Girls’ Varsity Basketball and Track and Field at East Laurens High School. Because of his undying desire to be the best and instill in his players that they are winners no matter what, his teams performed well and reached heights many thought were unreachable. Due to his teams’ accomplishments, he was awarded Georgia Athletic Coaches Association 1983 and 1984“Coach of the Year” Award of Girls’ Cross Country Team and 1999 and 2000 Region “Coach of the Year” Award for Girls’ Varsity Basketball. Charles E. Turner, Sr., known as Mr. “T” or “Coach T” by his students, was an outstanding individual who had experienced trials and tribulations that made him a stronger person. His strong family beliefs and moral values shine radiantly through his endless love and affection for his family, school and community. The positive influences he had on his students have been illustrated through their efforts to acquire higher education and become productive citizens. His extraordinary talents and exuberant character has touched the lives of many and is greatly appreciated by many. Charles was predeceased by his father, Willie L. turner; sister, Winnie Lois Stanley; and a brother, Cordie Willie Turner. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Jessie M. Turner, Montrose, Ga.; Children, Luciana Turner, Warner Robins, Ga.; Shenika Turner Reed (Keith), Augusta, Ga.; Charles E. Turner, Jr., Atlanta, Ga.; Grandchildren, Janiya Reed and Jaden Reed, Augusta, Ga.; mother, Mildred Lee Turner, Dudley, Ga.; Siblings, Willie James Turner (Ellen), Dublin, Ga.; Dennis Turner, Atlanta, Ga.; Willie Lee Turner, Jr.; Germany; Cantrell Coney, San Angelo, Texas; Aunts, Dorothy Allen, Yonker, Ga.; Vernell Gaffeny, New York, New York; one uncle, Bobby Jordan (Susie), Savannah, Ga.; Sister-in-laws, Lallie Watkins (T. Wesley), and Gladys Thomas, Montrose, Ga.; Carol Turner, New Jersey. Brother-in-laws, Samuel Higgins, Atlanta, Ga.; Carol Jones, Miami, Fla.; Many nephews, nieces, cousins, former co-workers and friends. Public viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2012 at the Dudley Funeral Home. A Wake service will be held from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2012 at New Canaan Baptist Church, 317 Carolina Avenue in Chester, Georgia. All floral arrangements can be delivered to Dudley Funeral Home in Dublin. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Luke Strong And Son Mortuary, Ltd., of Moultrie, Georgia and assisted by the Dudley Funeral Home of Dublin. www.ServicesByDudley.com