Jerry Turner

Jerry Turner, age 65, of Ernul, North Carolina, died Saturday evening, October 18, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born July 22, 1960, in Kinston, N.C., the son of the late Clayton Whitt Turner and Mamie Grey Taylor Turner.
Jerry attended Jones Senior High School in Trenton, NC. He worked as a Quality Control Inspector for the majority of his adult life until becoming disabled secondary to a chronic heart condition. He did not let his disability limit his life; he just managed at a slower pace. Jerry became a stay-at-home dad to help raise five beautiful children, whom he was extremely proud of. He enjoyed gardening, photography, golf cart hunting (hide-and-seek with night vision on wooded acreage), and fishing.
Jerry was a humble, compassionate, and gentle soul. He loved and adored his wife, Denise. He was actively involved in helping with every fundraiser she organized for church events, Pop Warner, and the Children's Organ Donation Association. He opened his home several times for displaced families and teens who needed housing and assistance to get back on their feet. He served as a mentor. He was also a key caregiver for his ailing father. His parents resided with Denise and Jerry the last five years of Clayton's life. He provided childcare, meals, transportation, driving lessons, car repairs, and much more to help others. He was quick to offer help to friends and family in need. He was a good listener and always non-judgmental. Jerry's children describe him as a wonderful and loving father, mentor, and provider. They admired and loved him dearly. He was an exceptional husband. His wife feels that any accomplishments she has achieved are due directly to her husband's support. He was her helpmate and always cheered her on. Jerry's passion for his family, common-sense wisdom, hearty laughter, and slightly earthy sense of humor are traits that will be sorely missed.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 28 years, Denise Arthur Turner, along with their five children: Danielle and Joshua Davis of Deep Run, NC, Sarah and Chris Richards of Ernul, NC, Joshua Arthur of Ernul, NC, John Arthur of Ernul, NC, and Josiah Turner of Ernul, NC; eight grandchildren: Morgan Davis, Cassidy Wiggins, AJ Pollard, Sawyer Wiggins, Canaan Arthur, Noah Pollard, Eli Richards, and Sadie Arthur; one brother Terry and Kim Turner and their children and grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on November 15th at 1 p.m. in the Family Barn.
In place of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Trenton Methodist Church Food Pantry- 107 Market St., Trenton, NC, 28585
MERCI Clinic- 1315 Tatum Drive, New Bern, NC, 28560
The Trevor Project- give.thetrevorproject.org
St Jude Children's Hospital- stjude.org/give