Thomas J. Turner

Mr. Thomas Turner, age 81, of Pansey, Alabama passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022. 

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 5 PM at the Funeral Home; 814 Headland Avenue Dothan, Alabama 36303 under the direction of the caring staff of Scott's Chapel Hill Mortuary "Because We Care".

Deacon Thomas J. Turner was born on June 4, 1940, in Troy, Alabama, to Allen Turner, Sr. and Annie Glen White Turner.  Deacon Turner attended Ashford High School in Ashford, Alabama.

After graduating from the police academy and relocating to Ithaca, New York, Officer Turner's primary patrol was Cornell University.  His photograph was entered into High School History books; so great was his dedication to the force.  For numerous years Deacon Turner worked at MacCormick Juvenile Correctional Center, medically retiring in 1994.

While in Ithaca in the mid to late 1960's he became a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he was the founding member of Calvary's Transportation Ministry.  Deacon Turner was deeply concerned about Cornell University students' inability to attend their home churches.  Beginning with the Ujamaa dormitory where many Black students resided, he made several stops each Sunday, both before and after service so no student had to miss the Word of God.  He was also ordained a church deacon, serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board for several years,  and was a faithful member of the male chorus.  He also served communion after church, each 1st Sunday, to the sick and shut in.

An avid farmer, Deacon Turner owned farmland in both Freeville, New York and Pansey, Alabama.  Deacon Turner was an integral participant in farming culture and innovation, receiving several Federal grants while working closely with Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, in both agricultural archetype and student attrition.  Deacon Turner was a passionate advocate on behalf of farming, attended numerous such conferences, instituted an annual forum for Black farmers and mentored area youth and adults.

Upon returning to Alabama, after long years of inerrant community and sacred service, Deacon Turner served faithfully at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.

Deacon Thomas J. Turner has four children: Arnold Turner of Elmira, New York (deceased), Randall Turner of Ithaca, New York, Thomasena Taylor (Fern) of Covington, Georgia, and Melissa Turner of New York, New York.  His siblings include: Mildred Lee Caldwell of Rivera, Florida (deceased), Allen Turner, Jr of Clayton, Alabama (deceased), Katiemae Gaston of Hillside, New Jersey (deceased), Annie Pearl Telfair of Ashford, Alabama, Allen Wilburt Turner of West Palm Beach, Florida (deceased), Samuel Turner of West Palm Beach, Florida, Willie Glen Turner of Buffalo, New York (deceased), Catherine Turner of Ashford, Alabama and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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