Blake Ray Turman

1963 - 2023

Blake Ray Turman, a remarkable individual whose life was marked by an unwavering passion for aviation and technology, passed away on December 17th, 2023, at the age of 59.

Blake was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas on December 30th, 1963. He spent a significant portion of his childhood in Germantown, Tennessee. He joined the Germantown Fire Department while still in high school and served for 8 years. He was one of the youngest firefighters to join the department and rose to the ranks of a senior fireman. During his tenure, he also served as a driver and EMT. He pursued academics in architecture and computer science at the University of Memphis, and commercial aviation at the University of Louisiana. His passion for flying then led him to a distinguished career in aviation. He excelled as the Chief Pilot and Check Airman at Southern Express Airways and later served as a Captain at Northwest Airlink for over 13 years. Beyond piloting, Blake's expertise extended to consultancy positions and ownership of an airline training company, where he provided guidance and training to aspiring and seasoned aviation professionals.

Blake was passionate about exploration and travel, venturing across the globe, from China and Indonesia to the UK, Iceland, Honduras, and beyond. He found tranquility by the sea, residing in Florida for an extended period and later enjoying time in Trinidad.

He was predeceased by his father, Billy Ray Turman. He is survived by his mother, Linda Turman; his sister, Elizabeth Turman; his niece, Lucy Mosher; his aunt and uncle, Dee Carolyn and Torry Harle; and many extended family members.