Johnny Frank Turner, 82

Johnny Frank Turner went to be with Jesus Feb. 26, 2024, to get “his new body” after a long, courageous struggle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents Grady Frank Turner and Louise Ponder Turner, and his brother Steven Wade Turner (Sharon) all of Dadeville, AL. 

He leaves his wife of 63 years Muriel Jean(ie) Earnest; three children and their families: Johnny Troy Turner (Richelle Webster), Jeanie Kaye Turner Huddleston (Todd), Earnest Kip Turner (Lisa Atkinson); eight grandchildren: Nicki Huddleston Powell (Ryan), Courtney Jean Turner, Audrey Turner Cross (Philip James), Shane Turner (Morgan Hall), Katie Huddleston Mushunje (Brandon), Dr. William Turner Huddleston (Carly Banks), Dawn Louise Turner Jones (Ben), Frankie Gorden Turner; 14 great-grands: Bronx, Brayken, Briggs, Brixie, Brogan Powell; Brody, Blakely, Lacy Cross; Jon Carter, Addie Ann Turner; Shona, Luke, Eli Mughunje; River Callaway Jones; and his sister Phyllis Pitchford (Graham). Johnny enjoyed his large family. 

Johnny was born April 5, 1941, Dadeville, AL. He attended Union High School, Dadeville, where he enjoyed playing basketball, and did well. He was an Auburn University graduate and attended Auburn in Montgomery for his Masters. 

He put Walnut Hill, Dadeville, on the map after purchasing property at junction 49/50 from Catherine Cosby Ponder who had faith in his entrepreneur spirit. He built Walnut Hill Gro. In its day it was a thriving community business known for its “Biscuits by Rochelle” (Greathouse); and its “lady pleasing, gas pumpkin” Otis. It was frequented by neighbors, travelers to and from Lake Martin, and even the governor on occasion stopped for a biscuit; children and “bussed road prisoners” were always treated with goodies. 

When the new area maps were produced, Walnut Hill was included. 

Johnny and Jeanie attended Beulah Baptist Church, Dadeville, where through the years, he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. In later years, he attended and also served as deacon at First Baptist Church, Columbia Falls, MT, where summers were enjoyed. 

Johnny served his country 5 years in the Air Force. 

Johnny enjoyed hunting, fishing, and in later years golf, often playing with golf pro-am team of West Glacier. 

He also enjoyed traveling, seeing all 50 states, mostly with family on vacation. He and Jeanie also took in most of Canada and were privileged to see Egypt and The Holy Land, Israel. 

Johnny lived a full life and productive life. He knew his faults and appreciated God’s forgiveness and often witnessed boldly for the Lord. He had numerous health challenges that he claimed only made him stronger and ready to meet his Lord at the appointed time. 

Funeral services were at Beulah Baptist Church on Wednesday, Feb.  28, 2024, with Rev. Tim Davis officiating. Pallbearers were Turner Huddleston, Shane Turner, Frankie Turner, Ben Jones, Wade Turner, Philip James Cross, Chris Pitchford, Wayne Pitchford, Scottie Knox, Jody Knox, and Matt Sharp. 

Much appreciation to all of his many doctors especially to Dr. Brandon Johnson, Auburn, and Dr. Ryan Koop.