Julius G. "Dude" Turner

Julius Griffin Turner, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on April 29, 2014, surrounded by his family. One of six children, he was born in Bogalusa, LA. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. A trusted Shellback, he crossed the equator two times on the Navy Destroyer, USS Lloyd Thomas. Honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945, this man’s blood continued to run red, white, and blue. A sailor who had just returned home, he met and married the love of his life, Bonnie Turner. They were married for over 63 years. He continued his service after the war in the Alabama National Guard. He served thirty years and retired at the rank of Sargent Major for the 226th Area Support Group in 1988. He served the city of Mobile as a firefighter with the Mobile Fire Department for over 22 years. He and his wife were also the owners of Tooley Myron Photography Studio from 1958 -1985. He was well known for his beautiful work with wedding photos, as well as, Santa Clause and Easter pictures at the Bel Air Mall.Dude took great pleasure and pride in his family. Especially in his faithful, caregiving daughter, Linda “Lou” Smith and husband David “Don” Smith. He reveled in his role as grandfather and great grandfather and will remain in their heart as their “PaPaw”. He was well known for his immaculate yard. People continuously inquired as to his secret to grow the greenest, thickest grass. He and his wife loved to travel and were members of the “Funlover’s” travel group. He was a past member of Fulton Heights United Methodist Church. He was a longtime member of Kingswood United Methodist Church , the Keenagers, and his beloved Sunday School group.

He is survived by his only daughter, Linda Turner Smith (David D. Smith); three grandchildren: Jennifer Ezelle Fulford (Larry Fulford), Jay Ezelle (Caroline Ezelle), and Brandi Smith; five great-grandchildren: Payton- Brooke Fulford, Trenton Fulford, Helen Ezelle, Turner Ezelle, and Elizabeth Ezelle; and his sister Mary Joe Woodruff.

Visitation will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, April 4, at 5:00-8:00 PM and the funeral service will be Saturday at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kingswood United Methodist Church, 5200 Perin Road, Mobile, AL, 36693.Arrangements under the direction of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Mobile, AL.