Kyle "Turney" Deakins Jr.

Turney was born to the late Kyle Turney Deakins Sr. and Eileen Brown Deakins in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on March 1, 1935. He attended Oak Ridge High School and Tennessee Tech University before beginning his career at General Electric in Huntsville, Alabama. He enjoyed working in the GE computer lab before taking a job at IBM in Huntsville, where he led as a computer operations manager at the company’s new branch.

Turney eventually moved into insurance sales for many years, where he traveled and led training sessions without ever meeting a stranger along the way. He then worked at the Christian Service Mission (CSM). Through his job at CSM, he was able to help many in need (Micah 6:8) — one of his passions in life. His contagious smile and gift of humor led him to develop lifelong friendships during his career and life.

Throughout the years, Turney found joy in many aspects of life, such as sports, friendships, family, and faith. He enjoyed supporting his beloved Tennessee Vols sports teams — seeing him without his Tennessee hat on was a rare sight. He loved participating in the Birmingham Big Orange Club.

Turney regularly spent time discussing current events over a cup of coffee with his friends. On Sunday mornings, he was committed to serving as a Sunday School Teacher in his local church for many years. Recently, he attended First Baptist Church of Pelham. Most of all, Turney loved spending time with his family. He is remembered as a man with exemplary integrity, commitment to following Christ, and devotion to his family.

Turney is lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Anne Deakins; daughters, Lea Anne (Frank) Barnett and Robbie (David) Shockey; nephew, Steve (Candice) Maddox; niece, Joy (Gary Sheffield) Bender; and grandchildren, Alyssa Barnett, Austin (Devan) Barnett, Kyle Shockey, Rachel (Blaze) Lawrimore, and Erin Shockey. He is preceded in death by his mother and father.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home from 2-3 p.m., followed by A Service of Remembrance at 3 p.m. at the funeral home’s chapel, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Dr. Daven Watkins will officiate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for the Deakins family.