Joseph Michael Turner

Mike Turner played baseball in college; got his jump wings with the 82 nd Airborne; and dedicated his life to helping others. He was a lifelong Baptist, in the finest tradition of a denomination that once championed freedom of conscience. Mike was an exemplary servant-leader who practiced what he believed. To wit, that what is required of us is “to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

He was born Joseph Michael Turner in Little Rock on July 16, 1938 to Charles and Edna “Grancie” Turner. He died on March 6, 2026 very close to where he grew up; where he went to church; and where he worked throughout his career. Mike was a social worker and administrator with the Greater Little Rock Community Mental Health Center for over 40 years.

Mike met Glynda Allison when they were both young social workers at the State Hospital in Little Rock. They fell in love, married in 1962, and moved to Norman, Oklahoma where they both received Master in Social Work degrees from the University of Oklahoma.

Returning to Little Rock, the Turners raised their three children and dedicated their home to the gracious but never fussy hospitality that was enjoyed by countless people for decades. The Turner kids never thought twice about inviting their friends and their friends’ friends over to the house on Coachlight Drive. Mike and Glynda made it their mission to welcome family, friends, and strangers alike. The Turners were married for 55 years – which sounds like a long time, but it wasn’t long enough. Glynda died in 2017.

Mike was a natural athlete who exceled at baseball, tennis, and golf. In his youth he played baseball at Little Rock’s Lamar Porter Field in its heyday. After graduating from Central High in 1955, Mike attended Ouachita Baptist College, where he was an effective left-handed knuckleballer for the Tigers.

Despite his Tiger credentials, Mike was a diehard Razorback fan who could be quite vocal about the poor officiating that has held the Hogs down for decades. 

The Turners let their roots grow deep in the faith community of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church for more than fifty years. Mike was a deacon there, serving as chairman several times. Believing that faith is more effective as a balm than a cudgel, Mike was a devoted supporter of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. His perspective on issues was always served with thoughtfulness, kindness, and a side of wry humor.

Keith Jackson, NFL great and founder of Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids, was welcomed into the Turner family while a student at Parkview High School. Keith said of Mike, “Papa T was one of the most important men in my life. He was a father figure, mentor, and friend.” Keith speaks for many of us on that count.

Mike is survived by his younger brother, Tom (Eileen); and children, Jay (Suzette), Andy (Charity), and Cathy (Greg); grandchildren, Drew (engaged to Ashlyn Lickteig), Mallory (Dillon), Michael (engaged to Maddie Watson), Marian Perkins (Will), Margaret (engaged to Pete Hamrick), Allison Theisen (engaged to Pedro Guillen), AJ Theisen, and Adam Theisen; and great grandchildren, Brennan and Baylor.

A memorial service for Mike is scheduled for 1PM on Saturday, March 14, at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock. 

In lieu of flowers, the Turners ask that donations be made to P.A.R.K at https://www.positivekids.org 

The family also sends its thanks to the great staff at UAMS who were a blessing to Mike over the last few months and have expressed that he was also a blessing to them.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com