With a heavy heart, we announce that David Douglas Turner, M.D., of Orange Park, Florida, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020. After months of failing health, he passed peacefully within his home surrounded and cared for by those he loved.
Reaching the incredibly impressive age of 94 years old, David was blessed with a highly accomplished life and inspired many as a supportive husband, father, and grandfather, a dedicated friend, a successful doctor and business owner, and a talented musician.
David was born on September 16, 1926, in Columbus, Ohio to parents Dr. Wilbur D. and Flossie L. Turner. With a passion and deep respect for knowledge, he graduated from Beverly High School (1944) and attained honorable degrees from Marietta College (B.S., 1947) and the University of Cincinnati (M.D., 1951). David achieved board certification in Abdominal Surgery and Family Practice and became a highly respected professional as well as a loving and trusted friend (a.k.a. ‘Doc’) to many of his life-long patients. An ardent proponent of education, David encouraged and supported many generations to pursue studies in their felids of passion.
After years of medical practice with his father, in Marietta, Ohio, David moved to Orange Park, Florida, to practice at Pureal Medical Center. He became a member of the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Surgeons, Cincinnati Surgical Society, and Duval Medical Society. It was here that he met “his angel,” Chearle, whom he loved and supported for nearly 30 years of marriage. They shared a beautiful life together. Through decades of love up until his final moments, he was “her guy,” and she was “his girl.”
A true lover of music, David was a skillful trumpet player, having played with numerous local Jazz bands. When riding with Doc in his beloved Cadillac, no matter how hard you tried, you could never convince him to switch the radio from his favorite Jazz station. It was the musical score of his life, with a trumpet solo as his personal motif.
David also served in the USNR, as a Pharmacist’s Mate (3-c), during World War II, from 1945 to 1946.
He is proceeded in death by his parents. And he is survived by his wife Chearle, daughter Debra Turner, son David Turner, stepdaughter Kim (Mark) Welnetz, stepdaughter Wendy Holland, stepson Shawn (Amy) Dodge, and grandchildren Bronte Hupp, Barrett Hupp, Lauren Turner, Logan Turner, Cody Holland, and Jordan Dodge, as well as many life-long friends.
When you live a life as long as his, especially as a medical professional, one is undoubtedly going to touch many lives. But one of the things most admirable and loved about David was his true, immense support of everyone he cared for throughout his time. Many close to him and even some he only knew briefly, owe a great deal of their success and well-being to this generous man. Thank you.
Though the living will miss him dearly, we are comforted knowing that David is at peace, and finally reunited with all of the loved ones he has lost over the years. In the words of famous Blues and Jazz musician William Christopher Handy, “Life is like a trumpet - if you don't put anything into it, you don't get anything out of it.” And David, you certainly put in your all. We will love you always.
Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
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