Phillip Reid "Phil" Turner

Phillip (Phil) Reid Turner, 63, entered the presence of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 21, 2025 after a 3 week illness.

Although born in Greenville, South Carolina on April 9, 1962, Phil's story was forever shaped by the sea breezes and strong community spirit of Cayman Brac. At the tender age of six, he journeyed with his parents and 5 siblings to Cayman Brac in 1969 where island life soon became the rhythm of his childhood, waves upon the shore, palms swaying in the wind, and sunshine that mirrored his generous spirit.

In 1980 Phil left for Chattanooga, TN to pursue studies at Tennessee Temple University carrying with him the values of faith, family, and hard work instilled from his island upbringing. During this season of life, he married and was blessed with his precious daughter, Betsy, who became the joy of his heart.

Her passing in 2004 left a deep wound that never fully healed, but her memory remained a guiding light for him always.

In 2021, with a heart full of love and devotion, Phil returned to his childhood home to care for his beloved mother. This return completed the circle of his life, beginning and ending on the Brac, the island that had always been his true home.

While living in Chattanooga, Phil worked and retired from McKee Bakery after more than 30 years of service.

He was a charter member of New Haven Baptist Church where he developed many long and lasting friendships that he still cherished.

Phil's life was marked by generosity, creativity, and service. He had a gift for turning the ordinary into extraordinary. He was a talented cook, a skilled decorator, and a man whose hands could build, mend, and create. Whether carpentry, plumbing, landscaping, or simply lending his expertise, Phil poured his heart into everything he touched. What made his work remarkable was not only his skill but the love and care with which he gave himself.

Affectionately known as the "Mayor of Spot Bay," Phil was a true pillar of his community. He cooked meals to share at church, community events, and around his neighborhood, kept the district roads pristine, offered rides to neighbors, and extended kindness in countless quite ways. His humor, warmth, and selflessness left a mark on every life he encountered. He embodied the very spirit of Cayman Brac, resilient, caring, and deeply rooted in community.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Betsy Turner; his father, Russell Turner; and his sister, Chlo Ann Vradenburgh.

He is survived by his devoted mother, Bobbie Turner; brother, Russ Turner (Lynn); his sisters, Edi Seals (Roy), Kim Aldridge (Phil), and Maryrose Turner (Cleveland); as well as many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Though our hearts grieve deeply, we take comfort in knowing that Phil's struggles are ended and he is now at peace, reunited with those who went before him.

A Celebration of Phil's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Hillside Baptist Church in Cayman Brac. Burial will follow the service at Spot Bay Cemetery.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. You may watch the virtual service at-

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FVFxPyWf6/?mibextid=wwXlfr

You may share thoughts and memories of Phil at www.heritagechattanooga.com

This announcement is courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.