William Russell Turner

Turner, William Russell, born in Urbana, Ohio to Clayton Myron Turner and Nellie Mae (Love) Turner. Dad attended Bellefontaine High School in Ohio before enlisting in the United States Navy at the tender age of 17. He began his military career as a Seaman First Class on June 21, 1945 and went on to serve in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He retired from the Seabees on August 10, 1973 as an E-7 Chief Petty Officer.

Dad always embodied the spirit of God and Country and it was only in his last days we learned of his many medals and decorations, which include: the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, American Area Campaign Medal; Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; a second National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star & Fleet Marine Force Insignia, RVN Campaign Medal, Antarctic Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, a second Good Conduct Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.

While Dad was stationed at NCTC Davisville, RI and NCBC Port Hueneme, CA, he deployed around the world to accomplish many civil engineering projects. He went from an asphalt paving crew member to a heavy equipment operator to Petty Officer and later Chief Petty Officer in charge of heavy equipment operators and maintenance. He supervised many construction projects: building roads and bridges, as well as water systems. As the Chief in Charge of Operations, his responsibilities included supervising 140 operators with as many pieces of equipment; it also included project planning. With his extensive experience, he was also an instructor to enlisted men and wrote instruction booklets and tests. After retirement, Dad would continue his work on the island of Yap, overseeing public works projects and training the Micronesian people to adequately maintain their roads, airport, dock and grounds.

Dad was a rambling man and also worked as a truck driver and he loved to drive. When Grandpa and Grandma Turner needed more assistance, he and Maria were called back to Ohio to care for them in the last years of their lives. He was a very loving and devoted son. Although, his relationship with 6 of his 7 children was long-distance (first because of deployments, then divorce, and then geography) he loved us, and we loved him just the same.

He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother Robert (Bob); brothers Clayton Jr. and Charles (Chuck); sisters Lucinda and Janet; and second wife Maria. He is survived by his sister, Norma; Thawee Morgan, his last great love, who was devoted to him and lovingly cared for him as long as she could. He is also survived by his first wife, Alice; seven children; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Thank you Dad for instilling in us the meaning of hard work, the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that it brings; for exhibiting the dedication in service to God, Country, and Family with the Seabee "Can Do" and "We Build, We Fight" spirit. You will be forever in our hearts and sorely missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Beavercreek Chapel, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45432 followed by Funeral Service at 11:30 am.

Due to the COVID, burial will be held privately at Dayton National Cemetery.


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