Hooper A. Turner

Hooper Alexander Turner, 88, of Columbus, died Friday, March 25, 2016, at his home. Funeral services for Mr. Turner will be held 3:00 P.M. Monday, March 28, 2016, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with a private burial to follow in Parkhill Cemetery. Dr. P. Shane Green will officiate. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall Monday from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Mr. Turner was born May 22, 1927 in Albany, Georgia to Francis Hazlehurst Turner and Hallie Alexander Turner. The Turner family moved to Columbus later that same year. Mr. Turner received his early education in the Columbus Public Schools and, following his graduation from Columbus High School, he entered Auburn University where he was a member of the SAE fraternity. He left school to serve in the United States Navy during World War II, and returned to Auburn from which he graduated in 1949. Also, in 1949, he married Adele McMath and joined Hugh McMath Construction Company, now McMath-Turner Construction Company.

Mr. Turner was involved in many church and civic activities. He was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday school teacher, Chairman of the Official Board, and Trustee. Mr. Turner served as President of the South Columbus Boys Club, Peach Little League and Clubview School PTA. He served on the boards of American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, YMCA, Georgia Concrete Products Association, EBCO Battery Company, Columbus Realty Company (chairman), and emeritus member of the Columbus Bank and Trust Company advisory board. He was also an active tennis player and outdoorsman.

Mr. Turner was preceded in death by his wife, Dell and his brother, Frank. He is survived by his four children, Dell T. Branch (Eddie), Hugh McMath "Mac" Turner (Eleanor), Hooper A. Turner, Jr. (Katie), and Clara T. Middlebrooks (Bart); his 10 grandchildren, Ricky Caldwell, Adele Stone (Hofer), Hugh M. Turner, Jr. (Brandi), Marci Turner, Elle Turner, Hallie Turner, Ginny Turner, Hooper Turner lll, Susan Middlebrooks, Martin Middlebrooks; great grandchild, Hugh McMath Turner, III; sister Nell T. Spettel; sister-in-law Anne Turner; and devoted caregiver Derika Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church or to Columbus Hospice in memory of Mr. Turner.