Ronald Eugene Turnbow

Ronnie was born on January 30, 1938, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Carolyn Janice Tilsan Turnbow and Reverend Lelan Porter Turnbow. He has one sister, Joan Marie Parr, who resides in Arkansas.

After moving to Memphis, Ronnie attended Central High School and Memphis State Training School. During the Vietnam War in 1956, Ronnie joined the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 18. He served until he was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant in 1960. He spent the next several years working in the sales industry until he retired.

He was a passionate fan of the University of Memphis Tigers football and basketball teams, and he was deeply involved in many community volunteer activities. He served as Chairman of the Triathlon for Memphis in May, and volunteered for the Sunset Symphony, Speakers Bureau, Beale Street Festival, and Zoo Rendezvous. Ronnie was fondly known to his fellow volunteers as “The Elderly White-Haired Gentleman.”

Ronnie loved to read and complete crossword puzzles in his spare time. He will be remembered for “always being right,” a great sense of humor, and his willingness to help others. He had a deep love for his family (including pets), his friends, and his beloved Country.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Marijane Frank Turnbow,

his three children, Mike Turnbow, Mark Turnbow, and Margaret Burkeen, two stepsons, Russell Perry and John Perry, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.