William T. Turner Sr.'s Obituary
William Taliferro Turner Sr. entered this life on March 16th, 1931 in Tuskegee Institute Alabama. He was the second son of Victor Ceaser Turner, Sr. (a personal friend of Booker Taliferro Washington) and Katie Geraldine Turner. This prominent union produced two other sons; Victor Ceaser Turner, Jr (deceased) and Thomas Turner Sr. During his formative years in Tuskegee, he inherited strong family ethics and learned the value of hard work while attending school and working on the family farm. He was a faithful member of the Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Raymond Francis Harvey. While growing up in Tuskegee, the foundation was laid for his life’s legacy of love for family, commitment, service, and loyalty.
At the age of 18, upon the completion of his education, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his illustrious military career he was fortunate to travel the world extensively and served both in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Bill (as he was formally known) was a “Soldier’s Soldier” receiving these distinguished commendations; The Legend of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army commendation Medal w/5 OLC (Oak Leaf Clusters), The Good conduct medal 8 awards, The National Defense Service Medal w/1 OLC, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. During his distinguished 31 year career, he attained the Army’s highest Non- commissioned officer rank of Sergeant Major. Bill was highly sought after for his extensive military knowledge. He was the military advisor on several Hollywood movies and television shows such as “Private Benjamin” and “The Walton’s.” During this time he met and interacted with many Hollywood directors and celebrities.
In 1953 Bill married the love of his life Sarah Louise Marcus. This loving marriage covenant has lasted 62 years, producing 3 children, Pamela, William Jr. (Patricia), and Stephan (Nora). His Legacy continues through the lives of his grandchildren whom he loved, adored, protected and would do anything for. His devoted grandchildren are Ivan the musician (Carmen), Satoria the legal expert, Shannon the business woman & world traveler, Jamelia the voice, Jonathan the ball player (India), Kiani the athlete, and Stephan Jr, the aspiring all-American. The legacy continues with two great grandchildren, Cavana L’lone and Rhome Taliferro. In his spare time he was an avid golfer, bowler, and fisherman. He was a devoted husband, father and PROVIDER. Bill dealt with people in a straightforward manner, and was always a man of his word.
Bill is preceded in death by both his parents and older brother Victor. To cherish his memory he leaves his loving wife Sarah, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, his brother Thomas (Frankie) of Montgomery Alabama, and cousin Dorothy Naylor Aiken of South Carolina, his extended PacNorth family, Dave Herron “aka his other brother” (Debbie) along with a host of golfing buddies and friends.
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