James Frederick Turner Sr.

James Frederick “Fred” Turner, Sr passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 18, 2025. Affectionately known as J. Fred, Pop, Poppy & Gears, Fred was born May 16, 1935 in Nashville, TN @ Protestant Hospital. He was Baptized at Christ Episcopal Church. Fred is pre-deceased by his Parents, Charles Frazier Turner, Sr &Elizabeth Lippitt Turner, sister Kathryn Turner, brothers Charles Frazier Turner Jr. & Frank Lippitt Turner and granddaughter Hailey Adair Turner.

During his younger years, Fred loved working on cars, playing pool & was an accomplished piano player. Fred was a Class of ‘53 graduate of West High School, attended Vanderbilt University(undergrad) & Louisiana State University where he received his Masters in Banking degree. Fred served 10+ years in the Air National Guard.

Fred married his sweetheart Nancy Elizabeth Greene Oct 3, 1959. Children Rick & Elizabeth arrived in 1961 & ‘64 respectively. Despite a busy family and professional life, Fred was proud to have been an instrumental part in the founding of Franklin Road Academy from its inception, and both children are proud FRA Alumni. Fred, a highly respected member of the banking industry & member of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, retired as Senior Vice President & Department Head of Commercial lending of SunTrust Bank (formerly Third National Bank, now Truist) after a 40 + year career.

Fred was a 50 year + member of Woodmont Christian Church, serving on several committees including Chair of theEndowment Committee. Upon retirement from the bank, Fred began his next chapter keeping busy, Pop planted a formidable vegetable garden in Leipers Fork, earned his real estate license & served on the Board of Directors of the Nashville Ronald McDonald House, Board President in 2002. He also was a founding member of the RMH Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Fred was an avid golfer & Hillwood Country Club member for 29+ years, where he served on the Board of Directors & other committees. A top notch Vanderbilt supporter, Fred remained engaged, knowledgeable and a true ‘Dore Fan throughout his lifetime.

He and Nancy enjoyed traveling & being EVER-present at their grandchildren’s events & milestones. In essence, Pop Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather. He was a loyal friend to many, with a wonderful but understated sense of humor. He leaves a legacy of love for family, love for community, service & integrity. Fred was a True Gentleman, a Mentor, Inclusive & Kind. Fred is survived by his son James Frederick Turner, Jr (Barbara) of Nashville, TN, daughter Elizabeth Turner Ables (David) of Peachtree Corners, GA, Grandsons Brandon Harrison Turner, Zachary Michael Turner & David Turner Ables, granddaughter Alexandra Elizabeth Ables & great-granddaughter Riley Grace Turner. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks & appreciation to Fred’s incredible team of caregivers at the Brookdale Green Hills and Alive Hospice of Nashville. You are angels on earth.

Visitation at noon & memorial service at 1 pm are planned for Fred at Woodmont Christian Church on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with a celebration of his life at Hillwood Country Club following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Woodmont Christian Church or the Ronald McDonald House Charities.