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William Turner

1938 - 2017

William Turner obituary, 1938-2017, Lexington, KY

BORN

1938

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Milward Funeral Directors - Downtown

159 North Broadway

Lexington, Kentucky

William Turner Obituary

TURNER Dr. William Lewis (Bill), 78, husband of Earlene Rentz-Turner, passed away on Saturday, April 22, from complications related to prostate cancer. Dr. Turner was born in Alabama on September 3, 1938 to the late Cora Williams Turner and Lewis Turner. He grew up in Wetumpka, Alabama, where he began his lifelong journey of pastoral ministry and preaching. He prepared himself for the ministry by obtaining degrees from Samford University (B.A.), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.Div./Th.M.), and Lexington Theological Seminary (D.Min.). As a pastor in ministry for 63 years, he served churches in Alabama, Kentucky, and Texas. Those pastorates of servant leadership included positions as Senior Pastor of New Home Baptist Church in Wetumpka, Alabama, Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, Pleasureville Baptist Church in Henry County, Latonia Baptist Church, Central Baptist Church in Lexington, South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Faith Fellowship in Lexington, and most recently the congregation of Liberty Road Faith Fellowship in Lexington. Dr. Turner was grateful in the last years of his life to direct the Doctor of Ministry program at Lexington Theological Seminary, and he enjoyed teaching young preachers at the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. He is the author of three books, and enjoyed contributing to organizations focused on social justice, ecumenical involvement, pastoral ministry, and ministry to those in need, some of which included the National Conference for Community and Justice (Bluegrass Chapter, 1982 Brotherhood Award recipient), Urban League of Lexington, Lexington Fair Housing Coalition, Lexington Interfaith Council, Houston Metropolitan Ministries, Houston Campaign for the Homeless, and the Houston Coalition for Mutual Respect (1997 Ecumenism Award). He also received the 2000 Madison-Jefferson Religious Liberty Award from the Americans United for Separation of Church and State (Houston). Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and professor. In addition to his wife of 15 years, he is survived by three daughters; Lisa Jeter Hernandez (Antonio) of Lexington, Laurie Turner and Andrea Turner (Mike McAuliffe) of Austin, Texas; mother-in-law Mildred Rentz, five grandchildren (Courtney Cline; Corey, Nathan, Nick, and Jacob Jeter), one great-grandchild (Gavin Cline), one nephew, and five nieces. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Caroleen (Kelli) Gross Turner, his parents, and sons-in-law Chris Jeter and Steve Weichert. A celebration of Bill's life and ministry will be held at Liberty Road Faith Fellowship (2734 Liberty Road, Lexington, KY 40509) on Saturday, April 29, at 11am. Visitations will be from 6-8pm on Friday at Milward - Broadway and 10-11am Sat at the church. Dr. Steve Wells, Senior Pastor at South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, will lead the worship experience. The family would like to express gratitude and appreciation to Dr. John Gohmann and the wonderful medical personnel at Baptist Health Lexington. Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Road Faith Fellowship (2734 Liberty Road, Lexington, KY 40509) or Lexington Theological Seminary (230 Lexington Green Circle #300, Lexington, KY 40503). www.milwardfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader from Apr. 26 to Apr. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for William Turner

Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.

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Randy Saxon

April 20, 2025

There were so many things that I learned from Bill Turner. Jesus spoke through him. He was not only my pastor, but a friend and mentor.
His family was also beyond kind.

Randy Saxon

April 18, 2024

I still listen to him on you-tube.

randy saxon

April 18, 2021

I was sharing today with his beautiful wife Earlene at South Main, introduced her to my wife, and let her know how we both listen to Dr. Turner's sermons on You tube. What a role model

Todd Hairgrove

April 6, 2020

I knew Dr Turner at South Main Houston he was an awesome Pastor

Randy Saxon

December 10, 2018

Dr. Turner baptized me and was the real deal.

Randy Saxon

Neil Crowe

May 22, 2018

Bill Married Nassim and me in 1985, and I always appreciated the depth and breadth of his sermons. He was truly an egalitarian philosopher as well as a dedicated pastor. We think of him often, he will be missed in this physical plane.

Darla Myers

May 6, 2017

Bill was my pastor in Lex Ky , at Central Baptist
Church until he left for Texas.
What a wonderful man and pastor. I remember how loving he was to Kelli and all of his congregation
He will surely he missed by all.
But God called another angel
Home

May 6, 2017

Larry and I are shocked to know of our dear friend's passing. This beautiful bright day seems quickly dreary knowing he is gone. Girl's, I hope you know how grateful I am for the example of love and dedication your Dad showed every minute to your Mother throughout her long illness. I keep his image in my mind always as the gold standard of loving kindness. Earlene, I am so grieved for you and your far too short years with Bill. But your lives seemed jam-packed with rewarding work and much love. A great thing in a small package. I am so glad that he found you. If any of you Girls could phone or write me, I would appreciate it. Bill's parting is such sweet sorrow for us. Bless you all.
Vicki Watts
South Main Baptist Church
Houston, Texas

Randall Lamb

April 30, 2017

I remember Mr. Turner from his time in Louisville, I lived down the street from him and I played with his children I think I was about 6 or 7 when he and the family moved to Lexington. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. But I am sure he is with Jesus today. May God bless and comfort his family in their time of grief.

Betty Conley

April 27, 2017

Bill Turner was a long time friend to my late husband and me, for nearly 60 years. My husband Tom was an only child but considered Bill his brother. Both of our children, Scott and Sean called him Uncle Bill. Our times of friendship provided many occasions for fun and sharing life. He was a wonderful man full of compassion and love for his fellow man. Last August when my beautiful husband died, he preached a magnificent memorial sermon. Little did we realize that in just eight short months we would also lose him. The comfort I have now is that Bill and Tom are laughing together again. I have known Earlene for sixteen years now and she has become family in that time. Her heart is broken and I understand because I'm there as well. We will stay close and share our grief and help each other with the task of healing. My thoughts and prayers are with her daily. I thank God for the gift of Bill Turner's life and the friendship we shared.

Margaret Riley

April 27, 2017

Bill was a wonderful pastor and friend. His heart-felt caring and kindness were felt throughout my husband's Alzheimer's and he was quick to offer support and affection upon his death. Bill was a true Christian, friend, and pastor. He will be missed. -Margaret Riley (Mrs. James S.), South Main Baptist Church, Houston, Texas

Barbara Murray

April 27, 2017

I remember a good and kind man who helped guide me through the D.Min. process at Lexington Theological Seminary. Dr. Turner brought stability and encouragement to a daunting journey. Rest peacefully, good and faithful servant. My condolences to all those who knew and loved you.

April 27, 2017

Heartfelt condolences to the Family and all who knew Mr. William Turner....

Sean Conley

April 27, 2017

Uncle Bill, as I grew up knowing him, was best friend to my parents for nearly 60 years. My father and Uncle Bill met in seminary. I remember sharing time with him and Aunt Kelly, and later Earlene, on their visits to Atlanta on many occasions. He was a man of wisdom, compassion, integrity and far too many more wonderful things to mention in this short space. Uncle Bill, you will be greatly missed, but the celebration of your life will continue in those you leave behind. My wife Marla and I send prayers of love, peace and healing to Earlene, the girls, the grands and the great grand.

Bill Tillman

April 26, 2017

Bill was the all too rare personage, the scholar-pastor.

Rick Gastineau

April 26, 2017

I was honored to become acquainted with this dear man in recent years. He always had patient ears to listen to me and he also possessed wisdom few men have. I will treasure the conversations I had with my friend. Rest in peace my brother

Carol Carrier

April 26, 2017

Dr Turner left a lasting impression upon me of what servant ministry looks like. His gift of hospitality was a ministry in a category all by itself. He inspired me to be the best that I could be in the ministry. I shall miss his laugh as well as his deep voice.
Rest easy my friend,
Carol Carrier

Jim and Thelma Boswell

April 26, 2017

Rest in Peace dear friend. You will surely be missed at your Liberty Road Faith Fellowship Church, but you will always be there in Spirit.

Bo Prosser

April 26, 2017

Good ride, dear friend, colleague, mentor and hero! Blessed by you!

Martha Schneider

April 26, 2017

I was Bill Turner's secretary when he first came to South Main. He hired me after a short interview, even though I told him that I had never worked as a secretary before. He said, "That's okay. I've never had a secretary before either." We worked together for almost ten years - a very pleasant time. When I told him I would be leaving because my husband was retiring and we wanted to travel, he kindly said he wasn't ready for me to do that. I have good memories of those years. His passing saddens me.

Sharon Averitt

April 26, 2017

Dr. Bill Turner was simply the best preacher I have ever heard -- none of those head-nodding, droning, empty, time-wasting monologues from him! Add to that his warmth, wisdom, humor and ability to inspire and you have an irreplaceable servant leader. He will be missed, but his impact on the lives he touched will continue. God bless his family as they deal with their loss.

Otto Loewer

April 25, 2017

My wife and I moved to Lexington in 1973 where I had accepted my first faculty position (at UK) after graduate school. Bill, upon hearing this from a mutual friend, invited me to lunch. This was the beginning of his role as our pastor at Central Baptist Church until we moved in 1985 and a long friendship with Bill and Kelli.
Certainly, we were greatly saddened by the news of his passing and remain appreciative of the wonderful memories we shared at Central.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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Memorial Events
for William Turner

Apr

28

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Milward Funeral Directors - Downtown

159 North Broadway, Lexington, KY 40507

Apr

29

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Liberty Road Faith Fellowship

2734 Liberty Road, Lexington, KY

Apr

29

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Liberty Road Faith Fellowship

2734 Liberty Road, Lexington, KY

Funeral services provided by:

Milward Funeral Directors - Downtown

159 North Broadway, Lexington, KY 40507

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