James Lee Turner

James Lee Turner, age 84, of Abilene, passed away June 19, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 in the Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories with Rev. Clyde Kieschnick officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5 until 7 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory Street.

James was born November 22, 1929, near McGregor, TX to Robert Lee Turner and Sue Dean Cox Turner, who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Frances Wells Turner; his ex-wife, Edna Schuster Johnson; his brothers, Kenneth Wayne Turner and David Brooks; and sister, Gloria Dawn Doty.

After graduating from McGregor High School in 1947, James attended Draughon’s Business College. He worked for Sears and Roebuck, Johnson Home Service, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Jim Turner Motors, and various positions with the United States Postal Service, where he earned the Safety Award. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a Sergeant in the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard, serving as a communications chief. James was the Sunday School Superintendent at Zion Lutheran Church for several years and subsequently attended the Church of Christ. James, a quiet and gentle man, retired from the United States Postal Service at age 75.

Remaining behind to cherish James’ memory is his daughter, Adela Grace Jackson and husband, Larry Paul Jackson of Fairbanks, Alaska.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the National Rifle Association in support of our constitutional right to bear arms.