James Rand Turley

James Rand Turley, loving husband and father, passed from this life to the next on April 5th, 2019. After battling a brief but serious illness, he peacefully drew his final breath, cradled in the arms of his devoted wife and blanketed by the love of his children. We remember him for everything he did, and most importantly, for who he was. He deeply touched the lives of those who knew him.

Jimmy was born September 14th, 1933, on the Turley family farm in Bald Knob, Arkansas, to Anson and Naomi Turley. He grew up on the farm with his sisters Irell, Doris, and Lavonne. There, he learned the value of a hard day's work and a close-knit family. He graduated from Bald Knob High School in 1952 as an accomplished athlete, singer, and student leader. He attended Arkansas State University where he played football, ran track, and was in ROTC. He was selected as the "Outstanding Athlete", and "Distinguished Military Graduate" upon his graduation in 1956 and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army that year. During his 20 years of service, he was a fixed wing pilot, Army helicopter pilot and instructor, Inspector General, and Comptroller, among other duties. He served throughout the continental United States as well as assignments in Korea, Alaska, Vietnam, and Okinawa.

Jim retired from active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel in the spring of 1976, and moved with his family to his new farm in Sedalia, Missouri, where he returned to his love of working the land. He moved to Abilene, Texas, in 1981 to be closer to family, working as a real estate salesman and broker. Jim retired in 1990 to a lake house in Granbury, Texas, where he enjoyed fishing, golfing, long walks, singing, and visiting with his ever-growing family. He still planted vegetables from seeds he'd brought from the family farm in Arkansas. He and his wife, Kay, traveled extensively throughout the world, enjoying new cultures and sights. In 2014, they moved to the Army Residence Community in San Antonio, Texas, were they were involved in numerous activities and made many friends.

Jim was always quick with a wonderful smile and laugh. He had a beautiful voice and sang with the church choir and the Seniors of Note until his final days. He was loved and respected by those who knew him, and he was deeply devoted to his family, passing along the many lessons he'd learned throughout his life to his children and grandchildren. He was always a farmer at heart, working tirelessly to tend and cultivate the relationships he had. He lived his life not by the harvest he reaped, but by the seeds he planted. Rising with the sun ready to embrace all the tasks of the day, working hard to make this life more beautiful and bountiful, and now finally laying to rest knowing he'd done "all he could with what he had for those he loved."

He is preceded in death by his parents, Anson and Naomi Turley; in-laws, Dewey and Elouise Chesnut; sisters, Irell Rohl and Doris Mennenga and grandson, Michael Whitson. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Kay; his sister, Lavonne Thomas; children, Ken Turley, Valarie Allman and husband Jimmy, Denise Turley, Lance Turley and wife Diane, Lisa Marttala and husband David, and Lyle Turley and wife Erin. He had nine grandchildren, one step grandson and eleven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Army Residence Community in San Antonio, Texas, on May 5th, 2019, from 3-5pm.

Jim will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on May 6th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to an ARC charity of your choice.