H. Haywood Turner

H. Haywood Turner III May 3, 1944 – May 8, 2011 COLUMBUS, GA – Memorial service will be held 4 PM, 11 May 2011, at the Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA. H. Haywood Turner III passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011, at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, GA. He was born in El Paso, Texas, where his father was a Navy corpsman physician serving in the South Pacific during World War II. The family returned to Columbus, GA in 1949. Judge Turner graduated from Columbus High School in 1962. He graduated from Mercer University with a BA in math and history. He served in the Navy as a Radioman on the USS Charles R. Ware, DD-865 Destroyer. After Naval service, he managed the Texas Native Inertia Nutcracker Co., which his father had established, holding U.S. patents for their inventions. Haywood then taught math and physics at Columbus Technical College. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a law degree in 1977 but officially from the class of 1978. While in law school, he was one of nine advisees from his class for former Secretary of State Dean Rusk. He served as Assistant District Attorney, practiced general law, as well as appellate work for the city. He served as judge in the Municipal Court for 20 years. After retirement, he continued enjoying his hobbies: gardening, rebuilding engines, making his own diesel fuel, geology, history, and composing music. He was active in civic affairs and was a member of numerous organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Columbus, the Truancy Project (CLASS: Columbus Lawyers Assisting Special Students), the local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter (also held a pilot’s license), the Military Vehicles Restoration Society of Columbus, Mason, VFW, National Infantry Association, NRA, The Heritage Foundation, and the Columbus Bar Association, Inc. He received many awards throughout his life. In 2001, he received the Sergeant Major Award in Ft. Benning, GA, and in 2008 he was honored with the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding achievement, service, and public distinction. Judge Turner was preceded in death by his father, H. Haywood Turner II. Survivors include his mother Reba Sellers Turner; daughter Clisby Cox; siblings Rebecca Fuller, Wesley A. Turner, and Nancy W. Turner; godchildren Hadiye and J Clinkscales; nephews and nieces Benjamin Midgette, William Fuller, Kellie Fuller, Allison Turner, David Turner, and Emily Turner and his dear friends Harold and Deborah Bellesfield. In lieu of flowers, family and close friends request contributions to PAWS Humane. Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com

Arrangements under the direction of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.