Shirley Lee Turner III

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Shirley Lee Turner III, formerly of Waverly, Virginia, who passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at home with his beloved and devoted wife and daughter by his side.

He was born in Waverly, Virginia, on December 5, 1962, to Shirley Lee Turner Jr. and Mary Alice Turner. Shirley grew up in Sussex County, where he was known to friends and family as "Snuke" and "Junie." He was a proud graduate of Sussex Central High School, where he distinguished himself both athletically and academically. He lettered in football, basketball, and baseball, and was active in the school newspaper, Future Farmers of America, and the Social Science Club, demonstrating the well-rounded character that would define him throughout his life.

Shirley went on to earn his Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from St. Leo University. A dedicated veteran, he served his country with honor in both the United States Army Reserve and United States Air Force Reserve, retiring after 21 years of service as a Sergeant. He brought the same commitment and excellence from his military service to his professional career as a Talent Acquisition and Training Leader with the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Progressive Nursing Staffers, and numerous insurance companies.

On June 16, 2001, Shirley married the love of his life, Stacey Divers-Turner, beginning nearly 25 years of partnership, love, and shared joy. He was a devoted and proud father to his daughter Sydney Leealani, whom he affectionately referred to as one of his "favorite girls" along with Stacey. As a devoted Girl Dad, he was always there, present for every gymnastics routine, every dance, every moment that mattered. When Sydney was younger, he proudly did her hair, though he pulled it just a little too tight, leaving blisters on her forehead, a badge of his loving dedication. He fondly called her "Scooter" when he wanted to drive a point home. He would sing and dance with Sydney throughout her life, and even in his final days, they laid in bed together doing the New Edition dance. She was his heart, his joy, his "Scooter," and he made sure she always knew it through his unwavering presence and love.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Shirley's relationship with Christ as his Savior sustained and strengthened him throughout his life. After moving to Palmetto, he attended Bayside Community Church, where he felt at peace and experienced God's presence. Though illness limited his ability to become deeply involved, he found comfort and spiritual strength there. His faith remained unshakeable, carrying him through every challenge with grace and peace.

Shirley was known by all who knew him as a true gentleman, a good man who never settled, who always strived to do better, and who possessed a remarkable ability to see the good in everyone. He was a man of many words with a gift for storytelling; he could never tell a story without giving you the details, sometimes twice. Yet those details were always shared with warmth and humor. Shirley had achieved so many accomplishments throughout his life, yet he was never boastful. Instead, he chose to shine the light on others, always praising the success of his wife. He and Stacey were each other's person, two halves that made each other whole. He had a special gift for giving the children in his life new nicknames, and each of them treasured his words of wisdom. Everywhere he went, he made a friend. His close friendships spanned the entire country, and the lives he touched reflected the depth of his spirit and character. He approached life with strength, kindness, and positivity, leaving his mark on countless lives.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Shirley had a passion for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers, Notre Dame, and Sussex Central High School sports. He cherished moments of travel, dancing, and singing with his wife and daughter. He adored his dogs, Dallas, Cowboy, Simba, and Skylar Grace. He was deeply devoted to his extended family, and his nephews and nieces held a special place in his heart. Throughout his life, Shirley had a gift for turning friends into family. He especially cherished the Sundar family, embracing them as his own and loving their daughter Avni as a daughter, who shared celebrations, family vacations, and life's special moments. So many others touched their lives through the lasting friendships he created. A simple man with simple pleasures, Shirley enjoyed a bowl of peanuts and the comfort of life's everyday joys. He loved running and lived each day with the same grace and positivity that defined his character.

While Shirley was never a handy man, his approach to home projects was uniquely his own. He always seemed to buy more screws than needed or have plenty left over, and nearly every project involved multiple trips to the hardware store. These trips became part of the family story, a reflection of his practical approach to life's challenges.

Shirley battled stage IV prostate cancer with extraordinary courage and determination from the moment of his diagnosis in November 2023. Stacey stood by his side every step of the way, and together they traveled to multiple cancer centers seeking treatment options, fighting with everything they had. When the cancer aggressively spread to his brain, eliminating further treatment possibilities, Shirley continued to fight to live. He fought for every precious moment with his beloved wife and daughter, refusing to give up until his very last breath. Stacey formed a community of prayer warriors around Shirley because he needed to feel how deeply he was loved, far beyond what he ever imagined. Though Shirley would often say he didn't need anything else besides Sydney and Stacey, they weren't selfish. They wanted to share him with others, and so many families responded with overwhelming love and support, helping with moves, caring for their dog, uplifting them during the hardest times, and surrounding them with the kind of love that sustained them through the darkest days. Even when Stacey took Sydney to college, friends graciously came to be with Shirley so he would never feel alone. In his final days, as Shirley became bedridden, Stacey never left his side, caring for him with the same devotion he had always shown her. Sydney came home to spend those last precious months with her Daddy. He deserved to be celebrated, and he was. Until his very last breath, he was sharing special moments with the two people who meant the world to him. Stacey and Sydney don't know how tomorrow looks without him, but they are so lucky to have been loved by him. He is now resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus, leaving the same way he lived every day of his life with strength, kindness, peace, and his faith.

SURVIVORS: His devoted wife, Stacey Divers-Turner His daughter, Sydney Leealani Turner His mother, Mary Alice Turner His in-laws, Bonnie Sue Divers and Alonzo Nelson Divers His brother, Lorenzo Turner His sisters, Arleen Dandridge (Harry) and Alice Spruill (Broderick) His sisters-in-law, Operal Zabala (Shane) and Ashla Divers-Smith (Montrice) A host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: His father, Shirley Lee Turner Jr. of Waverly, Virginia

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: Donations may be made to Bayside Community Church North River. Please include "Shirley Lee Turner, III" in the note or memo. Checks can be mailed to 9505 Moccasin Wallow Road, Parrish, FL 34219.

SPECIAL THANKS: The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Moffitt Cancer Center and Tidewell Hospice for the exceptional care and support they provided to Shirley and his family throughout his journey. The family also wishes to thank the many whose acts of kindness and support sustained them during this difficult time.