In loving memory of Richard Turner - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Richard Lee Turner. February 15, 1950 – December 11, 2022

Richard Lee Turner, 72, returned home to God’s eternal glory on Sunday, December 11, 2022, after a wonderful worship experience at Covenant United Methodist Church, breakfast with his wife Karen and then a little work at the church’s parsonage preparing for the arrival of his new Pastor.

Richard was born in Rochester, New York to Yale Mark Turner and Marion Ameila (Cook) Turner February 15, 1950.

He grew up in Rochester, New York and graduated from Greece Arcadia High School. Entering the US Navy in January 1971 and serving until May 1977, he was in the Intelligence field stationed in Denver, Colorado; Washington D.C. and served on the U.S.S. Mt. Whitney where he was honorably discharged from. In June 1983, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves where he served at U.S. Coast Guard ANT Ponce de Leon Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. On March 5, 2004, Senior Chief Petty Officer Turner retired having served a total of 27 years in the military. While serving in the Coast Guard, he was dispatched many times for shuttle launches. It was during his time with the Coast Guard that he met many wonderful lifelong friends. Richard also worked in the Planning and Zoning department at Volusia County government for 31 years. He was very instrumental in the mapping and coordination of the 911 Emergency system in Volusia County. Working as a graphic artist and cartographer, drawing by hand the maps of the county in the earlier days before the maps became computerized. He enjoyed his entire career with Volusia County.

During retirement, Richard was a very dedicated to serving his church Covenant United Methodist Church. One of his great joys was buying food and helping to distribute the food to those who needed food. The Little Pantry at the church was something he daily made sure had something in it to offer the community.

He is survived by his wife Karen Jean (Pelphrey) Turner of 44 years, their daughter Rebecca Cook, her husband Dan and two grandchildren Audra and Zachary. He is also survived by children Daniel Turner, Anita Daniel, and grandson Brian Daniel. Richard was also very loved by his many cousins in New York and Massachusetts. Moses, his “Little Man his Pug” still misses him every day. He was preceded in death by his father Yale Turner, Mother Marion Turner and father-in-law James Pelphrey and mother-in-law Jean Pelphrey.

There will be a Celebration of Life and Resurrection on February 25, 2023 at 11:00am at Covenant United Methodist Church, 3701 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange, Florida 32129. There will be a reception that follows the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s honor to Covenant United Methodist Church for donation to Halifax Urban Ministries to further supply the folks in the local area with food. There will be a collection of canned foods and non-perishable foods at the church as well if you would like to contribute.