Arnold Clayton "John" Turner

Arnold Clayton "John" Turner, 89, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee surrounded by family. Born in Tullahoma, Tennessee on October 3, 1936, John lived a life of duty, honor, and integrity.
John worked as a property assessor for Coffee County and as a foreman for the Pajama Corporation of America, but he felt the most pride in his distinguished career with the United States Air Force. John enlisted at 17 while he was still in high school and dedicated much of his life to the service of his country. He retired at 39, ending a career that spanned over 20 years. The good character, courage, and strength represented in his military career only echoed in his service for his family.
John married Christine Marie Harris in 1956 and together they shared four children-Mike and Kay along with twins Ken and Karl. John led by example, instilling in his family resilience and toughness-but also warmth and humor. Their early years as a family saw them stationed in Southeast Asia, including Japan and the Philippines, until returning home to Tullahoma.
Seeing the world was an ongoing passion for John and Chris, with the two continuing to travel across the country once retired. John chose cities with two attractions in particular: good food and good golf courses.
Whether playing on the course or watching on television, there was rarely a day in John's life that did not include golf in some manner. In fact, John was a member of Arnold Golf Course on Arnold AFB for decades. You could often find him there on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday playing in friendly matches with his close knit group of fellow members-and good-naturedly hoping to take their money. Golfing brought John many treasured friendships.
John's love for golfing was only exceeded by his love for his family and his friends. He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Chris; his mother, Minnie (Glasgow) Simmons; son, Michael Clayton, and daughter, Kayleen Marie. He is survived by his sons Ken (Pam) Turner and Karl (Robin) Turner; granddaughters Megan Turner, Chelsea (Bill) Toft, Lindsey (Ted) Kocak, and Kristin Turner; great grandchildren Lainey Toft, Beau Toft, and Toby Kocak; along with his brother Frank (Debbie) Simmons, sister Susie Miles, and many special friends.
In lieu of flowers, family asks for donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, who John donated to for many years, with veterans holding a special place in his heart