Eric Earle Turner

Eric Earle Turner, age 47, of Hutto, Texas, passed away peacefully after a fierce battle with cancer on March 30, 2025. Eric was born on December 25, 1977, in Austin, Texas. His birth on Christmas Day brought immense joy to his family, and he was lovingly presented to his mother at Seton Hospital, nestled in a rather large Christmas stocking—a memory that always brought smiles to those who heard it.

Eric is survived by his college sweetheart and devoted wife of twenty years, Shara Stengl Turner, and their two children, Kale (19) and Kolbie (15). He also leaves behind his mother, Renee English Banbury; stepfather, Earl Banbury; grandfather, Gayle Earle English; stepmother, Jody Turner, and brothers: Robert Turner III, Brandon Turner (Ashley); Cory Turner (McCall); Matthew Coulter (Dana). He was preceded in death by his father, Robert (Bob) Turner Jr., grandparents Robert and Roberta Turner, and beloved grandmother Norene English. Eric was the favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A lifelong native of Austin, Eric graduated from Lanier High School in 1996. He fulfilled his dream of attending The University of Texas at Austin, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Eric earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Government and History in 2002. A devoted UT football fan and a proud Texas Ex, Eric's enthusiasm for his alma mater was unwavering.

Known for his sharp intellect, Eric was often the smartest person in the room. His love for reading spanned a wide range of subjects, reflecting his insatiable curiosity. Eric possessed a natural gift for technology, always staying on the cutting edge and embracing new advancements with excitement.

From a young age, Eric was immersed in the world of gaming and technology. He learned about computers from the inside out by disassembling and reassembling computers at his father's business, sparking a passion for tech that guided his career path. During college Eric gained further experience through tech support at Dell Technologies, where through his expertise and dedication, he worked his way up to a highly successful career as a Senior Program Manager. During his 21-year career at Dell, Eric was a consummate professional and was relied on for his knowledge, patience and ability to mentor and teach people. Eric’s legacy is the building of the foundational Program Management tool that is used across the Dell Services organization to this day. He led two of the largest Fed Services programs in history for two major Federal agencies (one in the DOD and one civilian agency). In 2018, in honor of his leadership, Eric was the recipient of the Dell President’s Award. A much-loved member of the Dell family, his sense of humor, love of Disney and his ability to get a laugh at staff meetings will be sorely missed by his team.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eric was always involved in the lives of his children. Supporting his son, Kale, Eric was involved in Cub Scouts as the Pack 912 Committee Chair. Eric had a special place in his heart for the Pine Wood Derby. He hosted scouts in his garage for pine wood derby workshops, ran the software program for racing and made special awards and trophies. He was a proud Band Dad with the Hutto High School Marching Band. He also enjoyed cheering from the sidelines when daughter Kolbie played soccer, basketball and volleyball. Family knew that these “nuts” didn’t fall far from the tallest tree as Eric also used his amazing height to his advantage as a basketball player growing up. (He was always proud to have surpassed his father’s height topping out at 6’10”.) His interests were limitless as he also loved scuba diving (certified master diver), wood-working projects, 3D printing, golfing, gaming and had an exceedingly amazing mastery of movie quotes! Eric could tackle any project and was mostly self-taught. He was everyone’s “technology guru” fielding all kinds of issues large and small for some of his hopelessly inept family members!

Most of all Eric was a passionate fan of Disney World and truly believed it to be "The Most Magical Place on Earth." Eric's love for Disney World grew exponentially after his first family trip, which led him to become a Disney Vacation Planner with Believe Vacations. He was admired for his meticulous attention to detail in arranging hotel accommodation, dining experiences and special events. Eric's goal was to ensure that every family experienced the same joy and magic he felt during his visits.

Eric Turner was a larger-than-life gentle giant whose zest for life far exceeded his physical limitations. Family and friends were always amazed at his ability to push through pain and discomfort for years on end to participate in life to the fullest.

A celebration of Eric's life will be held on April 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home at 14501 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, Texas. Friends and family are also invited to gather at the Hutto Discovery Methodist Church Community Center at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd. afterwards to share stories and honor the legacy of a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many. *Wear your favorite Disney ears for a magical celebration to honor the life of our friend Eric Turner!*

The family is deeply appreciative of the compassion and loving care provided by St. David’s Round Rock and Hospice Austin.

Eric's memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.