Donnie Turner

Donnie Turner, 58, longtime Gregg County resident, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, in a Longview hospital. He was born Sept. 25, 1946, in Lindale to Lonnie and Jimmie Turner. Donnie will be greatly remembered for his many years of service in the banking industry. Most recently, he served as vice president and loan officer at Austin Bank in Longview. Donnie, a 1965 graduate of White Oak High School, married Paula Watson on Nov. 8, 1966. He was past master of Pine Tree Masonic Lodge No. 1396. He was also a faithful member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in White Oak and was in the White Oak Lions Club for 30 years. Donnie, an avid fisherman, served his country in the National Guard for six years. Survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Paula Turner; a son, Gene Turner and his wife, Ruthie, of White Oak; a daughter, Carrie Smith and her husband, Scott, of Longview; three grandchildren, Emily and Josh Turner and Karlie Smith; a brother, Mack Turner of Longview; his sisters, Pat Diamond of Emory, Nancy McFerrin of Hallsville, Robin Smith of Longview and Tammy West of White Oak; and his mother-in-law, Ellen Campbell. He will also be missed by a host of special friends. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Jenny; and one grandchild, Jamie Lynn Turner. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. today, Jan. 11, at Lakeview Funeral Home in Longview. Services will be conducted Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church in White Oak with the Rev. Ronnie Starr and the Rev. Jay VanZandt officiating. Burial will follow in the Old White Oak Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be sent to: www.mem.com