SGM Wardell B. Turner, USA

to Wanda Turner and Larry B. Garrison (1947-2005).

SGM Wardell B. Turner is lovingly and proudly uplifted by his soulmate of 31 years, Katherine Turner and their five children, Shayla Turner, Quinton Turner, Devin Turner, Wardell Turner II, and Xavier Turner. Wardell lived as he walked, with purpose. Though he never gave a personal motto or mission, his lesson shared with his kids was always to leave a place or situation better than you found it. His life's mission was to "rise above." His humble beginning in life began in Nanticoke, MD. He always reflected back on days spent with his childhood friend Harry out doing farm work. His life's journey included "rise above" as he rose above the distance between his home and two a day football practices at James M. Bennett Sr. High School where he would at times spend the night with his high school friend Cam Carte. He rose above being a teenage father in high school and college with the support of his soulmate, family and friends. He rose above during his college days by going to his friend Doug's house, and spending time with the Morela's, when he couldn't afford to make the trip home. He rose to and above every challenge that the military presented him with. He did so by accepting assignments without question or protest.

Sergeant Major Turner is also survived by three grandchildren, that he dearly loved Elijah, Gabriel, and Tahliya.

Wardell touched the lives of many people. Many years ago during our first duty station, while living in Butzbach, Germany and working in Geissen, Wardell was recognized and given credit for saving the life of a young woman that was about to jump off of an overpass.

While stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky one of his former soldier's told of how he had to radio SSG Turner, ( rank at that time)to come and take over on a traffic stop. SSG Turner said, "Stop trying to mess with all of the women on Ft. Campbell and you wouldn't have this problem!" He chuckled, took over the stop so that the soldier did not feel compromised. This young man credits SGM Turner with always taking the time to make sure the lesson in everything was evident, while always taking the opportunity to laugh when it was appropriate.

Wardell is also survived by his mother, Wanda Turner, two maternal sisters, Wauleeah Goslee and Wendy Turner and a maternal brother, Wendell Lamont Turner. He is also survived by two paternal sisters, Valerie and April Garrison.

Wardell was a man that prided himself on his integrity and was never afraid to volunteer for a job. And whenever his job was complete, it was always, "job well done." He held each of his kids to such a high standard, that often he was told by his wife, Katherine, that he was too hard on them. He would often reflect back to the obstacles in his younger life and would often say, if I could get through it...then why can't you do something this simple or that simple. Katherine would often remind him of just how resilient he was. Being the humble person that he was, he would always deny it. Making the best out of every situation presented to him, SGM Wardell B. Turner always rose above. So on today, as we remember the husband, the father, the friend, the mentor, the coach, the great man that we all know and love, I will challenge each of you to rise above, with integrity, kindness and friendship in honor of our hero, SGM Wardell B. Turner.