Obituary of Jerry Turner

James Jerry Turner, 78, of Saluda, husband of Irene Horne Turner, passed away on May 5, 2024, at Lexington Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Saluda, SC, he was a son of the late William Edward and Minnie Burnett Turner. Jerry’s early career began with International Paper Company where he worked as a Forester. Acquisitions later caused International Paper to close the Forestry division, and Jerry returned to woodworking, one of his fondest jobs. He worked with his brother Ray as a carpenter and homebuilder for many years. However, cabinetry and finishing work was his passion, which led Jerry to open his own business, Jerry’s Cabinet Shop, where worked the last 25 plus years until his retirement.

Jerry was an avid outdoors person, whether working or playing, he preferred to spend his time outdoors. For many years Jerry loved to hunt, and you could also catch him with a fishing rod in his hand on occasion. Even when his health declined, you could still find him sitting in the dove field watching the kids and grandkids on a hunt. Jerry also cared about his community where he was a member and volunteer firefighter with the Mayson Fire Department for many years. Jerry was a member of Faith Temple Holiness Church in Chappells, SC, where he served as Deacon. He also assisted in the construction of the original church building in the early 1960’s. He and his wife Irene were also the first couple married in the church after construction was completed. Most of all, Jerry loved his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. His dying words in the hospital were, “I want to wait for everyone to get here because I want all my family to know I Love Them.”

In addition to his wife of 59 years, Irene, Jerry is survived by a son, J. Gregg Turner and wife Tracie of Newberry; a daughter, Tavy Turner Riley and husband Craig of Saluda; six grandchildren, Tyler Turner (Elizabeth) of Prosperity, McKensey Turner Cantrell (Blake) of Prosperity, Zachery “Zach” Hendrix (Hailey) of Saluda, Carmen Hendrix (Will Ferguson), Tyler Riley (Ashlyn) and Drake Riley (Carmen) both of Saluda; five great grandchildren, Walker Hendrix, Wylder Hendrix, Bennett Turner, Weslynn Riley and Emerson Riley; two brothers, William Ray Turner (Teresa), and Brian Keith Turner (Brenda) both of Saluda; a sister, Kathy Turner Corley of Saluda, and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. Additionally, he is survived by a son-in-law of many years, Sam Hendrix (Donna) and “honorary daughter”, Dawn Whatley and “honorary grandsons”, Isaac and Noah Whatley. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Joyce Turner Crockett, and a brother, Donald Wayne Turner.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Thursday, May 9^th at Faith Temple Church, 693 Hwy 702, Chappells, SC 29037 with the Reverends Durand Hall and C. B. Turner officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the hour of service at the church. Interment in the church cemetery will follow the service.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials, please do so to Faith Temple Church, 693 Hwy 702, Chappells, SC, 29037.

Woodridge Funeral Home of Lexington, SC is assisting the Turner Family.