John Barnett Turner

John Barnett Turner, 78, of Memphis fell asleep in the Lord on Monday April 22, 2024 surrounded by his wife and children.

John was born in Tuscumbia, AL to Wells Rutland Turner and Frances Barnett Turner. At the age of 2, his family moved to Monroeville, AL where he was raised. John was a 1964 graduate of Monroe County High School. He then entered the University of Alabama, graduating from the School of Commerce with a B.A. in Banking and Finance.

His enrollment in Tuscaloosa marked the beginning of a devotion that would be surpassed only by his love for his God and his family Upon graduating, he accepted a position with First National Bank of Memphis (now First Horizon) and soon met the woman who would become the love of his life, Elizabeth Scott. They married in 1970 and were joined a year later by their son Jack. Three years later they welcomed a daughter, Mary. After living in Alabama for four years, they returned to the Memphis area in 1979 and joined Christ Methodist Church, a congregation to which he devoted his time, presence, gifts and service for the next 44 years.

He served 2 terms on the Board of Trustees of the congregation and was also a member of the Finance Committee and Administrative Board. He was devoted to his brothers in the Friday Morning Prayer Group and also was a longtime member of the Lamplighters and Lagos Sunday School classes.

John was a passionate Alabama fan and loved few things more than seeing his beloved Crimson Tide take the field whether at home or on the road. His son Jack will always cherish the road trips they took to venues as far afield as Norman, OK, State College, PA, and New York to cheer on the Tide. His daughter Mary fondly remembers her freshman year at the University of Alabama preferring to attend ballgames with her Daddy, who was her favorite date.

He enjoyed travelling with his family, gardening, reading, and time spent in daily prayer and scripture reading. He had a green thumb and always had a beautiful yard on display. He was a member of the Touchdown Club of Memphis, The Memphis Quarterback Club, Kiwanis, Chickasaw Country Club, the Memphis Emmaus Community, the University of Alabama Alumni Association and other groups. He was generous to a fault and loved to serve his fellow man. He rang bells for the Salvation Army, delivered Meals on Wheels, and spent much time with ailing friends. As much as he loved his wife and children, he may have been even more devoted to his grandchildren, Maggie, Alex and Philip.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth, his son Jack Turner (Lavinia), daughter Mary Cvejkus (Alex), his three grandchildren, his brother Wells Turner (Esther) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Rose Turner Templin.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Samaha, Dr. Hays Brantley and Dr. Lisa Meyers for their care and devotion through the years.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Christ Methodist Church or MIFA.