Thomas Patrick Turner Jr. FAIA, age 92, moved on peacefully April 9, 2018 in Charlotte NC. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, a gifted architect and mentor, and a kind and empathic human being, always concerned with the well-being of others.
Tom was born in 1926 in Gaffney, SC, the son of Lily Clarke and Thomas P. Turner Sr. He was a 1943 graduate of Gaffney High School and served in the US Navy (1943-1947) in the Amphibious Attack Force and Submarine Service during WWII.
Tom was a graduate of Clemson University class of 1951, in Architectural Engineering. He joined Odell Associates architectural firm, where he practiced as a Principal Associate for over 20 years.
In 1977, Tom established ADEP Architects, practicing for over 25 years, specializing in Department of Defense design and construction, completing projects for all branches of the military in the Southeast. His favorite installations included Cherry Point & New River Marine Corps Air Stations, Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, and the Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, SC.
As a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Tom served as the Charlotte Section President, North Carolina Chapter President, and the South Atlantic Regional Director for the National AIA Board of Directors. In 1990, he was elected Vice President of the National AIA. He was awarded the AIA Georgia Bronze Medal in 1990, and The William H. Dietrich Service Medal in 2001 by AIA North Carolina for service to the profession.
In 1992, Tom was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows, the highest membership honor recognizing exceptional contributions to architecture and society.
Tom also received gubernatorial appointments to the North Carolina Building Code Council and the North Carolina Board of Architecture where he served until his retirement at age 88.
Tom remained an avid supporter of Clemson University and the Clemson Corps. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on the Committee for the creation of the Military Heritage Plaza on the Clemson campus, dedicated in 1996. In 2004, he was awarded the Clemson Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award for service to the University, the Architectural Professional, his Church and the Community.
Tom was a member of the Myers Park Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon, Elder, President of the Men’s Bible Class and for over 15 years as Institutional Representative of Boy Scout Troop 55.
Tom enjoyed his church work, AIA friends and travels, leisure time at Lake Norman, the comradery of lifelong friends, and most recently newer friends at The Cypress Club, where he was loved, admired and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lola Love Turner; daughter Sheryl; son Bryan; grandchildren Thomas and Caroline Klosowski, Patrick and Taylor Turner; son-in-law Jim Klosowski; daughter-in-law Teresa Raines Turner; and multiple revered friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son T. Patrick Turner III in 1973.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 11 am at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends in the Cypress of Charlotte Club Community Room, 3442 Cypress Club Dr.
Tom requested in lieu of flowers, donations to be made to the Thomas P. Turner Class of 51 Clemson Corps Scholarship Endowment at c/o Clemson Foundation, P.O. Box 1889 Clemson, SC 29633 - online at https://cualumni.clemson.edu/remember/tom-turner - or a charity of your choice in his honor.
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