Jon Ivan Turner, Sr.

Jon I. Turner, Sr. 86, died at St. Joseph's Hospital October 20, 2022 after a short illness.

Jon was born in Bulloch County November 30, 1935. He was preceded in death by his loving wife and closest friend of 58 year, Mary Brantley Turner. He was also predeceased by his parents, Marion Turner and Addie Alderman Turner; his siblings, Rita Turner Wall, Leslie Turner, Nita Turner Morgan, Marion Walter Turner, Jr., Addie Lou "Betty" Vogel, Remer Turner, Nelson Turner, Jacquelyn Turner Dickerson, and Jimmy Turner.

Jon was first a loving and devoted husband and father who cherished his wife and was so proud of his children. He was known for his quick wit and generosity with everyone. His children remember family vacations where he only would stay in "a place with a pool" where he could swim and play with them during their stay!

Jon served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force after graduation. After his initial term, he enlisted with the Georgia Air National Guard as a Radar Technician. During his service in the Georgia Air National Guard, Jon went to Middle Tennessee State University where he became a certified flight instructor. Also while serving in the Guard, Jon worked at Ross Aviation training Vietnam War pilots to fly various aircraft as assigned in their military duty. As the war wound down, Jon embarked with his brother Jimmy on a new career path in 1970 as co-owner/operator of Turner Brothers Well Drilling, Inc. The two of them enjoyed a successful business until 2006 when they retired from well drilling. Throughout his well drilling years, Jon continued his service with the Georgia Air National Guard as well and retired from the 117th Air Control Squadron after 33 years as a Master Sergeant. Jon was a 57 year Mason with Richard T. Turner Lodge #116 F. & A.M., was a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory - Valley of Savannah, and the Alee Shrine Temple. Jon enjoyed his life of service, his years working with his son Van when he came to work at Turner Brothers, and the many fun and exciting trips he took with Mary. Jon and Mary were very active, as well, for 20 years in the Masters Sunday School Class at Bible Baptist Church. They loved to share with others about how much they enjoyed their studies and fellowship in that class.

Survivors include children, Jon I. (Van) Turner, Jr. (Marci Suarez), Tina T. Hodges (Ricky E. White, deceased), and great grandchild Billy Edward (Trey) Peoples III. Jon was the last surviving child of Marion and Addie Turner.

The family wishes to extend their immense gratitude to the staff at Nancy and JC Lewis Cancer Pavilion for their kind treatment during his battle with merkel cell carcinoma, which he survived, with his last treatment being nearly a year ago. They also want to thank the nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and palliative care staff in the St. Joseph's Neuro ICU unit for their unwavering support, care, and skill during Jon's two week stay in their unit.

The visitation will be Tuesday, October 25 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406

The funeral will be at 11:00 am in the Hodgson Memorial Chapel with Reverend Herbert Hubbard officiating.

Burial will occur at the Alderman Cemetery in West Bulloch County around 2:00 pm.