Joseph Turner

Joseph Turner was a natural leader whose winning presence made people fall in love with him. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of mentor. Down to earth, sociable, pleasant, and analytical, Joseph was an individual who enjoyed life and all it had to offer.

Joseph was born on March 29, 1932 at home in Talladega, Alabama. His parents were L. C. And Ruby Turner. Joseph was raised in Talladega, Alabama. Always able to express himself well, Joseph possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Joseph was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Joseph was able to relate well with others. Joseph was raised with three siblings. He had two older brothers, Nathaniel and Marvin, and one older sister, Lily. Joseph spent much of his time enjoying the company of his family.

As a young child, Joseph showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Joseph enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in football and basketball. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and driven individual, Joseph was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Physical Education but most of all, he enjoyed playing basketball. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Miss B. B Armstrong. After high school, he earned his Refrigeration and Air Conditioning license from LA Trade School.

Friends and acquaintances found Joseph an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Joseph was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Sylvestor and Ernest. Later in life, he became friends with Climmie Evans, Roland Byrd, Tim and Candy Fowler, and Chuck Perry.

Joseph was a Marine veteran. He served from 1952 to 1955 and spent much of his military service stationed in Korea. Joseph saw action for the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Private Class III Ready MCR as a Helicopter Machine Gunner. He received several awards including a Korean Service Medal W/2, UN Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense PUC, and the Good Conduct Medal.

On December 17, 1958 Joseph exchanged wedding vows with Jimmie Lee Franklin at the LA Court House of Los Angeles, California. Joseph was attentive to Jimmie's feelings, and he charmed Jimmie and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Joseph was able to bring joy and unexpected humor to the relationship. Joseph was blessed with one son, Michael Rennaye Turner. He was a wonderful and patient father. He was also blessed with two grandchildren, Neachelle and Devon Turner.

Joseph was a strong and fair leader who was able to draw the best from others around him. His primary occupation was as a refrigeration and air conditioning engineer which is also the career he retired from.

Joseph enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were bowling, fishing, and camping. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Joseph was also a sports fan. Recreational sports included bowling. He enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and basketball.

Joseph held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of the West Craig Road Baptist Church. During that time, he volunteered on various church committees.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Joseph truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back. He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible. Favorite vacations included Alaskan motor home trips.

Joseph was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Joseph’s favorites was Zip, a Boxer Terrier. They were best friends for eight years. His family was rounded out by his tropical fish.

Joseph’s retirement finally came in 1991. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada to be closer to his grandchildren. He was able to easily adapt to changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed.

Joseph passed away on February 20, 2018 at home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Joseph fought a brave and hard battle against bladder and prostate cancer. He is survived by his son, Michael Turner; soon to be daughter in law, Sandy Turner, his grandchildren, Neachelle and Devon Turner, and his memory will be cherished by extended family and close friends. Services were held at West Craig Road Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, 7880 West Craig Road Las Vegas NV 89129. Joseph was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Joseph was a kind person who could win others over easily. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Joseph Turner.