William D. Turner

William David Turner (October 15, 1942 - July 13, 2025) lived a life providing for his family and walking alongside his wife of 62 years, Molly Samoden Turner. David's greatest achievement was his family and he lived determined that each of them prosper in the world. He was faithful to friends and ministry partners around the world sharing his time and money with those serving the Lord.

David was born in McDonough, Georgia to Gertrude Gilmore and David Columbus Turner. He was an only child who lost his father during childhood. He graduated from Georgia Military Academy, and went on to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Molly and David were married in September of 1963. His first job when he got out of Tech in 1964 was with Lockheed Martin, after which he went on to work for First National Bank where he programmed the first real time ATM.

David and Molly had four children together: Robert William Turner, James Edward Turner, Julie Samoden (Turner) Collins, and John David Turner. After the birth of their third child, David and Molly moved from 30 acres in Woodstock, Georgia to Moraga, California in the east bay area as David’s work with the Itel Corporation increased in scope. David led a successful career in the super computer industry at the height of the computer revolution. He worked for Itel Corporation as Vice President of Systems Support, and then National Advanced Systems (NAS), which was acquired by Hitachi Data Systems. At NAS he held the role of Vice President, General Manager responsible for customer support and product operations, and retired at the age of 55 as the Executive Vice President of Hitachi Data System having grown revenue from $220 million to $1.8 billion with consistent profitability.

In 1999 the Georgia couple returned home after 20 years in Silicon Valley. David and Molly retired in Tyrone, Georgia and later moved to Decatur, Georgia to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. They spent their retired years attending Georgia Tech football games, vacationing with the family in Edisto Beach, South Carolina, driving to Virginia, and flying to California, to visit family and grandchildren.

David will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, no nonsense determination, financial acumen, and quiet generosity to those around him. He was grounded in his faith and committed to many church communities in Georgia and California. He deeply wanted the best for every person or organization in his life.

David is survived by his wife, his four married children, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.