HA Turney

HA Turney passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the age of 87.

HA was born and raised with his 11 brothers and sisters in Higden, Arkansas. He attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville where he met the love of his life Mildred (Mickey). HA and Mickey were faithfully married for 60 years.

HA served his country in the Korean War as 1st Lieutenant for the U.S. Army. He then worked for Texas A&M Agricultural Extension Service for 32 years where he worked tirelessly with various constituents in the battle for and against six legged creatures.

Without question though, the most important things to HA were his family and love of our Lord. He and Mickey raised three sons with unquestionable love, integrity, and faith. He deeply loves his wife Mickey. He was a member of the Singing Oaks Church of Christ where he served as Elder of over 10 years. Mickey and HA enjoyed many years of traveling and enjoying the beauty of God's natural creations.

HA will be remembered by the way he lived his life. His kindness, generosity, faith, servitude, integrity all defined who he was and explains why so many loved him so much.

He is survived by his wife Mickey, 3 sons Bobby (Rhonda), Ed (Debbie) and Bill (Susannah), five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at DeBerry Funeral Directors on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at the Singing Oaks Church of Christ at 101 Cardinal Lane in Denton, Texas.

Memorial donations in memory of HA may be made to the Benevolent Fund at Singing Oaks Church of Christ.

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

Published by Denton Record-Chronicle on May 8, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for HA Turney

Sponsored by Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton.

13 Entries

Ed Havens

May 16, 2018

HA was a good man. He was my next door neighbor. I remember seeing him walking around our neighborhood. He enjoyed helping people. Several years ago he joined up with his brother-n-law and helped me build a fence. Between his yard and mine.

Bruce Cranfill

May 13, 2018

My Dad was a county extension agent in Fannin County and worked with HA and interacted with HA as a young person in 4-H. HA was instrumental in getting me interested in entomology and coached me on entering the state 4-H entomology contests. He was always patient and kind and would even write me letters when I had questions on rearing insects. He was a positive influence on my life as I ended up graduating from Texas A&M in entomology and having a 28 year career in the ag industry. I remember him taking the time to attend my father's funeral in 2004. That meant a lot to me. I am so grateful that I knew HA Turney and rejoice in his life.

HA dressed professionally in coat and tie, and posing for a newspaper story on fire ants in the 1970s.

Michael Merchant

May 11, 2018

Michael Merchant

May 11, 2018

HA had many friends, but also many work colleagues. HA was one of my predecessors at the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. He retired from his long career as an entomologist with the Extension Service in 1989, but still holds a special place in the hearts of many of his colleagues today.

When he worked at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center he literally did the work of two entomologists. He had to know how to answer questions from homeowners and gardeners, as well as serve agricultural producers, providing answers to their questions about how to protect their valuable crops from insect pests. Two people attempt to do the job today that he handled expertly by himself throughout most of his career.

I first met HA while studying as a graduate student at Texas A&M. Once I was hired to carry half of HA's previous work load, he kept in touch. He was always supportive and interested in my career, and maintained his interest in entomology and his old workmates. Every phone conversation I ever had with HA was a joy, and greatly appreciated his advice and mentoring.

Some of the comments I saw in my inbox today as word spreads of HA's passing:

"H. A. Turney was an outstanding person in every way and an excellent entomologist who helped many people over a long career. He was one of my trainers when I worked on a summer job in cotton in Knox County and in 7 or 8 counties in the area (Rolling Plains) in 1965..." R Parker

"My favorite H.A. moment was at his retirement talk... H.A. was giving career advice and was talking about his interactions with administration. It was the first time I heard the phrase "Never get in a puking war with a buzzard." I've come to appreciate the sentiment as my career progressed ..." C Sansone

"H. A. was a fine fellow. I was a Midwest transplant when I started in 1983, and he was the resident Extension entomologist in Dallas. My background was in grain and I inherited a cotton scouting program in Hunt and Collin counties. I was on the phone to him many nights as I was learning the crop. He was always patient and never acted like he was imposed upon over the many hours we talked. He was one of the finest people I have known, and he will be missed." J Swart

"I remember H. A. quite well. had many discussions with him at the Texas Wheat Growers meetings each August in Dallas. He was an iconic extension entomologist." Jerry Michels

"Amen. What a great guy!" D Anderson

Here's to you HA from your fellow bug lovers.

May 11, 2018

So sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of HA. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace.

Laura Major Triggs

May 10, 2018

I have many happy childhood memories of playing at the Turney's house. HA built a sandbox that the family shared with all the neighborhood kids. We spent hours building tunnels and towers and playing tag. HA and Mickey provided a environment for creative learning and pure joy that Stayed with me long past childhood. To Bobby, Eddie, and Billie: Thank you for sharing your Dad with all of us. To Mickey: Thank you for showing us what family is all about.

May 9, 2018

Dear Mickey and boys,

You may not remember me as it has been 40 plus years since I called Denton my home. I was deeply saddened when I learned of HA's passing. I fondly remember his helping me prepare my first lesson for the pulpit based on Ephesians 6, putting on the armor of Christ. People of such great Christian character may not realize the impact they have on others for many years to come. I also appreciate that he would often bring communion to Dad in the nursing home. Please accept my sincerest condolences at this time. John Pitt, Bryan, TX

Millard & Nancy Smith

May 8, 2018

We are sorry for your loss.

Kevin Christy

May 8, 2018

I was very sorry to hear about your loss. Time will ease the pain, but the loss will always remain. You're in my thoughts.

Beth (Taylor) Apol

May 8, 2018

I lived across the street from Mr Turney and his family for several years when I was growing up. As I remember, I never heard a cross word from him, even when all of us children were being rowdy out in the yard! A soft-spoken man who could get his point across. I got to visit with him and Mrs Turney about a year ago, after many years and miles apart. He was so gracious as he ushered us into his home. We had a wonderful visit and I'm so thankful that God led us there that day. I'm sorry for your loss but hope that you can find peace in Jesus' love.

Bill DeBerry, Jr. & Andrew DeBerry

May 8, 2018

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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