Charles Thomas Turner

1938 - 2024

October 17, 1938 - November 29, 2024 Charles Thomas Turner, 86, passed away on November 29, 2024. Charles was born to Harry and Mamie (Nelson) Turner on October 17, 1938 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and was a resident of Harbor City, CA for nearly 55 years.
After graduating Chattanooga's Howard High School in 1956, Charles enlisted and served eight years in the United States Air Force where his assignments took him to Alaska, Texas, Mississippi, Las Vegas and Italy.
Upon separating from the Air Force, Charles moved to the state of California. His first job in California was with TRW Corporation's Apollo 11 Lunar Module staff, allowing him to, quietly; help put the first man on the moon. Charles briefly worked for Hughes Communications before moving to the City of Los Angeles as a Communications Electrician. Charles also worked for the L.A. Unified School District as an auditor, the Internal Revenue Service as a field agent and finally the Department of Water and Power where he was an instructor, trainer and supervisor in its Information Technology Services Business Unit.
Charles continued his education by earning his Associates Degree from Los Angeles City College, two (2) Bachelor of Science Degrees in Business Administration majoring in Finance-Real Estate, Accounting, and a Masters Degree with a major in Vocational Education all from California State University, Long Beach. He was also a credentialed Community College Instructor at Pasadena City College.
Charles liked to swim, walk, and attend jazz and blues concerts, play tennis, basketball and pool.
However busy his schedule was he always took time to listen to you.
His parents, Harry W. Turner Sr., Mamie Turner and his brother Harry W. Turner Jr. predecease him.
Charles is survived by his wife Curlean (Washington) Turner, son James (Susan) Long Beach CA, son Jeffrey Harbor City CA and son Gregory (Melissa) Apple Valley CA; brother Ruben (Bernadine) Chattanooga Tn.; Grandchildren Jennifer, Jason (Heenle), Kathleen (Gordon)Turner-Purvis, Charles and Victoria; Great grandchildren Jemina and Jarrin. Charles is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including his dear friend Abraham (Doretha) Yates, Ocala, FL, who he met while serving in the Air Force.
Charles's final resting place will be the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions, 5310 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.