C.O. Turner

Clarence Othello Turner, III, “C O”, died peacefully at home in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 98. He was a devoted believer in Christ. He lived his life with a feisty attitude and dry humor. As husband, father, grandfather and friend he embodied strength and a sense of adventure. He always had an entrepreneurial spirit, beginning as a boy, he had a paper route and hired his brothers to deliver papers.

He graduated from South Side High School and Memphis State University. While living in Knoxville he met and married his loving caring wife, Barbara Forbis Turner. He began his professional career in accounting with Roy Scott, Jr, CPA. He left the CPA firm to join Kemmons Wilson, Inc. and over time became a key financial officer. He left there after many years to go out on his own. In 1990 he and a partner purchased an intermodal freight company, Consolidated Manufacturers Company. Several years later he became sole owner.

He was also active in the Memphis community serving on the boards of Crichton College, Central Church, Evangelical Christian, School and Independent Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Walk to Emmaus, a three-day retreat designed to strengthen Christian discipleship, encourage spiritual growth and leadership. He was a private pilot and loved to fly airplanes. He also was a past King of the Sphinx in Cotton Carnival.

He is predeceased by his mother, Elsie Ray Turner; his father, C. O. Turner, Jr.; his wife, Barbara Forbis Turner; his son, Timothy; his son-in-law, Barry House; brothers, Ray Turner, Bob Turner, Bill Turner and Kinsey Turner; and a sister, Barbara Ann. His second wife, Doris L. Turner also predeceased him.

C.O. is survived by his son, Chuck Turner (Sherri); his daughter, Melissa Turner House; his grandchildren, Megan House Wilson (Andy), Patrick House, Grace Turner, Gary Turner, Jeff Turner and Rebecca Turner; and his great-grandson, Gabe Holt and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

The family would particularly like to thank Kay Burcham for her devoted service to our dad, as assistant, confidant, advisor, caretaker and dear friend of our family and our dad.

The family would also like to offer a special thank you and prayers for blessings to his caretakers, Elaine Terrell and the others whose help, love and caring through many years were a blessing to him and his family.

Services will be held at Memphis Funeral Home at 5599 Poplar Avenue on Monday, May 18 with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM until the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.