Clifford H. Turner

Clifford H. Turner was born on January 13, 1951, in Louisville, Kentucky, to entrepreneurial parents, James Turner, owner of a paving company, and Jeanette Hobbs. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, James E. Turner and Geneva L. Rufus. Clifford transitioned peacefully on August 30, 2025. One of three children, Clifford was a trailblazer, mentor, innovator, and instructor of real estate development whose life's work touched countless lives. To attempt to capture this bigger-than-life individual in words would never do him justice, but we try. Clifford grew up at 4500 Grand Avenue in Louisville's West End, where his family attended Zion Baptist Church. It was there that he began to understand service unto the Lord, singing in the choir and participating in church activities. His early education began at Stephen Foster Elementary School, which he would one day own and later redevelop. Clifford went on to play basketball for DuValle Junior High and football for Flaget High School before attending Eastern Kentucky University. Determined to succeed, he became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Industrial Education in 1972, followed by a Master's degree in Community Development from the University of Louisville. In 1978, Clifford earned his Real Estate license and began working at Frank Clay Realty. His leadership quickly emerged, he served as chairman of the Property Management Division of the National Association of Realtors and later became a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). That same year, he attended his first NAACP meeting. By 1986, he was elected President of the Louisville NAACP, championing Economic Empowerment, which became the cornerstone of his life's mission. With a vision for community transformation, Clifford founded Land Development Services, Inc. (LDSI) in 1988, formally incorporating in 1989. LDSI became a catalyst for growth, creating jobs, advancing technology, fostering stability, and uplifting the self-esteem of Louisville communities. From there, many other projects were born. As Eastern Kentucky University's alumni magazine once wrote, "Clifford Turner was not your typical developer." Clifford himself put it best: "God gave me a gift to be able to work with others... I am able to surround myself with people who want to make a difference in the lives of others." This great man was given much, and before his departure from this life, he gave back even more. Clifford leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 17 years, Cheryl Turner; children Tiffany Haywood (Daniel), Stephen Freeman (LaShawn), Clifford Miller, Remy Hammock (Brittanie), and Paris Hammock (Marion); brother-in-law, Sylvester Rufus; nieces; Dana Thomas (Rodney), Deville Ferguson (Eric), Antonia Peagler, and Angelic Douglas; nine beloved grandchildren; one precious great-grandchild; and a host of family, friends, colleagues, and community members who are better because he lived. Clifford told Louisville's Business First, "If I didn't do it where I grew up, who would?" A Celebration of Life Service for Clifford will be held 12 noon Friday, September 12, 2025 at Canaan Christian Church, 2840 Hikes Lane, Lou KY 40218.