Turner Lovic Smith

Turner grew up in Clanton Alabama with 1 brother, James Smith, and 3 sisters, Ruth Cleckler, Patricia McFadden and Beatrice Smith. His father passed away when he was 11 years old and his mother passed away when he was 17.

Turner attended Chilton County High School. He joined the U.S. Navy August 13,1958 at the age of 17. He was able to help his aunts and uncles financially care for his two baby sisters. He was honorably discharged August 12, 1964.

May 9, 1964 Turner married the love of his life, Julia Ann Barnhart. They were married 62 years. Their son, Timothy Wayne Smith, was born Dec. 5, 1967. Turner worked for Bell Helicopters as a computer operator. In 1973, his job offered him the opportunity to move to Iran. They adopted their daughter, Karen Smith Monahan, in 1974. In 1975, they moved back to the United States.

Turner had a love for all things Astronomy, from building his own telescopes to stargazing on his front porch. He gifted his kids, grandkids and great grandkids their first telescope as well as their first harmonica. Turner also had a love for the outdoors. Growing up in rural Alabama, where he spent most of his days and nights, out in nature, he developed a deep connection with the natural world and the sky. He carried that love and connection to nature throughout his life. He passed that love for nature and the astronomy on to his kids and grandkids.

Singing gospel music was a part of his life. He sang with his sisters and brother and carried it on throughout his church life and with his friends and bandmates, Heartland Harmony.

His father was a professional harmonica player. At the age of 11, his father gifted him a harmonica. He sat in trees, walked dirt roads and learned to play on his own. He was self taught. He shared that gift and blessed many with his music.

Turner had a servant's heart. For the last 30 years, he took care of his wife, who's eyesight began to worsen and her ability to get around on her own began to decline. He helped his son, who struggled with a kidney disease, throughout his life. He was giver and generous with whatever he had with so many throughout his life. He did it from his heart and didn't expect anything in return.

Turner was preceded in death by: his loving parents, Ira and Theresa Smith; his son, Timothy Wayne Smith; his brother, James Smith; his sister, Beatrice Smith; and nephews, Tony McFadden and Brian Cleckler.

Turner is survived by: his loving wife of 62 years, Julia Smith; his daughter, Karen Monahan (Kyle); grandchildren: Austin Monahan, Justin Monahan, Brandon Smith and Brian Smith, Larry Ballard and Kasie Brown; his son's wife, Becky Smith: great-grandchildren: Syrus, Max, Skylar and Ally; along with his sisters: Ruth Cleckler, Patricia McFadden (Troy); and a host of nieces and nephews.

One of his favorite verses, "For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, who so ever believe in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Visitation will be held at Eubank Funeral Home Canton, TX on September 22, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life.

A Committal Service will be held at Holly Springs Cemetery, County Road 4403, Ben Wheeler-Edom, TX.