Gene Edward Turner

Gene was born and raised in Tuscaloosa. After proudly serving his country in the Armed Forces, he returned to Tuscaloosa and began his career in plumbing. He obtained his Master Plumbing License and worked for McAbee Construction for over thirty years, servicing Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. Following his retirement from McAbee, Gene continued his plumbing career assisting his son in Ricky’s new and growing plumbing company.

Gene’s work ethics were impeccable, he was as tough as they came, steadfast and true, working 7 days a week regularly. He was like that teacher in school who stayed on top of you, driving you for more, raising their expectations of you and demanding excellence, never compromising for less. You despised the class and the teacher while in school, but; looking back, that is the very teacher you now appreciate and hold the most respect for. As Tim Patrick was quoted in Tuscaloosa Magazine “I learned my work ethics from Gene Turner, Turner Plumbing. He taught me how to work and to do a job right and get it done.” Over the years many people have worked with and under Gene, all who have had the privilege of doing so reflect on his teachings. At times, he was demanding and hard to work with, but those lucky enough to have the opportunity learned the right way and are now successful in all their endeavors and given the chance would do it all over again.

Gene was a hard worker and demanded perfection in his work and fellow associates, however; this was only one of the character traits that defined him. His quest for perfection gained respect from others, and customers alike, but behind his quest for excellence, he was a giver to all he met. Gene didn’t give for attention or for boasting purposes. He gave behind closed doors, for only the recipient and God to see. Once a co-worker had fallen over the weekend at home and was incapable of working for several months. He had no insurance and had a family to feed. Each week after his work was done, Gene silently loaded up his truck with groceries and delivered them to his co-worker. There are numerous tales such as this, but you never heard them from Gene, it was always from the unexpected friend, family member or co-worker. When you peel back the layers, you find his heart of gold, a heart which has touched so many of you.

He had a passion for racing with an uncanny ability to tear down and rebuild a motor as if it were nothing. We never ran across a motor he couldn’t fix. Many weekends were spent traveling to various drag strips losing some, winning some, all while having the time of our lives. These times spent with family and friends are the memories that shaped us. To say he loved his family is an understatement. He was so proud of all of us and told everyone he met of our accomplishments and achievements. He would go to the ends of the earth for those he loved and did so, in fact time and time again. He wasn’t always vocal in expressing his love but openly showed his love in every valley and walk of life we crossed, always showing up.

His love, wisdom and candidness will forever be etched in our hearts. We are forever grateful, thankful and honored, God allowed him to be our father, grand and great grandfather here on earth. He set the bar high but instilled in us his standards of life and work. We will never stop trying to cross that hurdle, both for ourselves and him. Our hearts are broken, and our lives will never be the same without him, but he will forever live on in our hearts and minds. He is truly loved by so many and will be missed terribly.

2 Timothy 4 V 6-7 “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race…”

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Preston Turner and Ruthie Mae Vines Turner; his sisters, Maurice Robertson (John), Loreda Majors (Don), Shirley Sellers (Horace), and Charlotte Sellers (Billy Joe).

He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Golden (Jason) and son, Ricky Turner (Connie); his grandchildren, Maeghan Baugher (Reece), Zane Turner, Abby Covington (Cameron), Cayley Golden and Bella Turner; his great-grandchildren, Jameson Turner, Jolene Turner, Slayton Baugher, Turner Baugher and Aerys Covington.

Pallbearers will be Jason Golden, Zane Turner, Reece Baugher, Billy Wayne Andrews, Thomas Caddis, Stevie Tingle, Arthur Page, Barry Pendley, and Thyler Scruggs.