Garland "Butch" Turner Jr.

In the quiet early morning hours of Sunday, July 6th, Garland "Butch" Turner Jr. heard his name called by the Lord, and just like that, his burdens were lifted. With his usual style, he slipped away with grace-probably humming a gospel tune on his way.

Born July 23, 1941, in Iredell County, Butch was the beloved son of the late Garland Turner Sr. and Mary Alice Rankin Turner. While he started out attending Antioch Baptist Church, when he married the love of his life, Leona Wilson, he did what any good husband would do-he joined her church, Bethesda AME Zion. And so began a 61-year love story rooted in faith, family, and a little bit of good-natured fussing, just to keep things interesting.

Butch was a man of many talents and even more stories. A trailblazer by trade, he proudly owned and operated Butch Turner Plumbing, the first Black-owned commercial plumbing business in the area. He wasn't just fixing pipes-he was building a legacy, one he proudly shared with his sons, passing down both his skills and his work ethic. Many churches and elderly neighbors could attest that Butch would show up, tools in hand, and never charge a dime. Even when his health began to falter, he never stopped lending a hand.

When he wasn't under a sink or behind the wheel of his work truck (with a grandkid or two reluctantly in tow), he could be found at the Mooresville Drag Strip, tearing it up and bringing home trophies. Butch had a way with engines, and apparently a need for speed.

He had a deep love for music-especially gospel. His favorites included The Brooklyn Allstars, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Willie Neal Johnson, but his very favorite sound was hearing his own family sing. With a rich tenor voice of his own, Butch could bring the house down. He even managed his sisters' group, The Turner Sisters. They didn't cut any records, but trust us-if they had, they'd have gone gold. At least. Maybe even platinum.

Butch was also a sportsman, playing for the Bethesda Men's Softball Team and coaching multiple women's teams. His "NAPA Girls" squad racked up tournament wins like he racked up plumbing calls-frequently and proudly.

When he wasn't doing all that, he was probably glued to the TV watching Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, or his beloved soaps (All My Children and General Hospital). If you called during those hours, you better have had something important to say-or you'd be met with a quick "Call me back after my stories."

Butch had a soft spot for kids and grandkids, especially if they didn't mind tagging along on jobs. Whether they wanted to or not, many of them became his unofficial apprentices. Secretly, they loved every minute of it-even if they grumbled at the time.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Louise Dolson, Johnsie B. Turner, Sarah Jean Rucker, Betty Bailey, Phyllis Turner, Rita Sheely, Mayhew Turner, Paul Turner, and Randy Turner. Also waiting for him on the other side are his daughter-in-love Zelda Turner, son-in-love Thomas Bryant, and grandson Rachard Harris.

Butch leaves behind his loving wife, Leona Turner. Together they built a beautiful life and a family that meant everything to him. He is survived by his children: Garland E. Turner of the home; Dexter Turner of Statesville; Pamela T. Bryant and Trevis Turner, both of Mooresville; Carolyn Parker of Kannapolis; Dwan Lytle of Statesville; and Sheldon Johnson of Mooresville. He was the proud grandfather of 24 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren-and if you asked him, every single one of them was his favorite. He also had two goddaughters he loved like his own, Lisa (Harry) Kirk and Cherelle Turner, both of Mooresville. Butch is also survived by his siblings: Mary (James) Ramsey of Salisbury, Annie Ellis of Woodleaf, and Larry Turner of North Carolina. His extended family meant the world to him, too-including sisters-in-law Mary Russell of Greensboro, Johnnie Mae Rucker of Mooresville, and Jo (Warren) Nance of Concord, and his brother-in-law Charles (Betty) Wilson. Butch also had a few people who weren't just friends-they were chosen family. Folks like Bobby and Patricia Caldwell, Bill and Jane Rogers, and his close nephew Ivory Turner. And of course, a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends-too many to name, but none forgotten. His presence lit up every room, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

As we celebrate Butch's life, let us carry forward his legacy of hard work, laughter, generosity, and love. May we remember the sound of his voice, the warmth of his hugs, and the way he always made you feel like you belonged. He was one of a kind-and though he may be gone from our sight, he will never be gone from our hearts.