Ellison Conrad Turner

A native of Greenville, SC, Ellison was born August 7th, 1929, the third child of Gelola and Lila (Ellison) Turner. A graduate of Parker High, he was a proud alumnus of the University of South Carolina. He enlisted in the US Army shortly after leaving USC, serving for 20 years with distinction and valor. He fought in several military conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam wars; it was for his bravery in the Korean War that he was awarded the Purple Heart.

While serving in Germany, he met his loving wife, Johanna Eleonore Turner, nee Grosse. They enjoyed many wonderful years together raising their six children; they were stationed in various parts of the US, including Wisconsin, Colorado and finally Augusta, GA, where they remained for many memorable years. Upon retiring from the army, Ellison became an educator, touching the lives of hundreds of young people in the Augusta area with his love of literature and history. In 1997, St. Simons Island, GA became their home, where they lived a content and full life together.

A prolific reader, published poet and hobby writer, Ellison had a love for jazz and a good single-malt Scotch Whiskey. He was a man of intellect, full of humor and a loving father to his family. All will miss his sharp wit, gracious smile and kind nature. He is survived by his six children, Juliana Etchason, St. Simons Island, GA; Pamela R Sansone, Augusta, GA; Michael A Turner, Charleston SC; Elonore J Sames, Lewisburg, WV; Anna M Roman, Concord, NC; and Emily C Sheridan, Sevenoaks, UK; Twelve grandchildren, Brook Powell, Atlanta, GA; Emily Carter, Greenville,SC; Joseph M Etchason, Charleston, SC; Rachel A Etchason, Charleston, SC; and Harris Sams, Lewisburg, WV Nicholas Turner, Concord, NC; Sophia L Sheridan and Isabelle J Sheridan, Sevenoaks, UK; great-grandchildren; Fischer and Beckett Powell, Atlanta, GA; Sephrie and Wilder Carter, Greenville, SC; Brenna Turner, Concord, NC.

The family would like to acknowledge the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Senior Care Center in Brunswick, GA; Brightstar Care of Coastal Georgia, Especially Ken Trowbridge, for their years of work with their Dad, and also Hospice of the Golden Isles for their compassion and care.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 at St. William Catholic Church, 2300 Frederica Rd., St. Simons Island, GA at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family are requesting donations to the ST. Simons Island Public Library, 530A Beachview DR., St. Simons Island, GA 31522 or to a charity of your choice in his name.