William Lynn Turner

1943 - 2025

In Loving Memory of William Lynn Turner (November 6, 1943 – July 16, 2025)

William Lynn Turner entered this world on November 6, 1943, and departed into the Arms of Jesus on July 14, 2025. He was born at home in Lauderdale County, Henning, Tennessee, to Maudie Lee Scott Turner and Charles "Pete" Malcolm Turner. From the very beginning, William lived a life marked by humility, deep love, and unwavering dedication to his family.

To those who knew him, he was Daddy, Papa, Bubba, or Bill-each name holding a piece of the man he was. Whether at home, on the job, or among friends, William was known for his quiet strength, steady and strong hands, and a heart full of kindness and wisdom.

At the ages of 19 and 17, William and Paula Pounders eloped, beginning what would become an extraordinary 62-year journey of marriage. Their bond was one of enduring devotion, rooted in shared faith and unconditional love. Together, they built a life rich in meaning, laughter, and family.

William worked with diligence and pride. As a skilled tire builder for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, he earned numerous awards and accolades, even setting records for performance. His dedication and craftsmanship were unmatched. Later, he served Shelby County Support Services, retiring in 2008. A lifelong farmer, he found peace in working the land, always grounded in the simple, honest rhythm of the earth.

He was a devoted father to three beloved daughters: Cheryl Garth (Layne), Vickie Turner Shelby, and her late husband Stephen Shelby, and Rachael Turner Hester (Marty). His heart swelled with pride for his grandchildren: Matthew Garth (Trisha), Andrew Garth (Kaylie), Joshua Hester, Elisabeth Hester Metropol (Nick) and Landon Shelby (Miko), and he found great joy in his great-grandchildren: Elias, Cecelia, Ira, and Madeline Metropol, and Claire Garth.

William is survived by his loving wife Paula, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his sister Patricia Turner Gengler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maudie Lee Scott Turner and Charles "Pete" Malcolm Turner; his brother Gene Turner; his sister Charlene "Snooky" Turner Borne; and his son-in-law Stephen Shelby.

Services to honor his life will be held at Memphis Funeral Home on Germantown Parkway, Saturday, July 19th 2025 at 11:00am with burial to follow at West Union Church Cemetery on West Union Road in Millington, Tennessee.

William Lynn Turner's life was a living example of integrity, strength, and love. He didn't need recognition to know his worth. He simply showed up-faithfully, quietly, and fully-for the people and work he loved. His legacy is not only written in the records he set or the jobs he held, but in the lives he touched and the family he built.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23