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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
Lonnie Turner Obituary
Lonnie A. Turner (July 14, 1945- July 7, 2020) beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at Earl B. Hadlow Community Hospice in Jacksonville, Florida.
To the end, he was quite the character and had a warm smile and hug for everyone. He never met a stranger! He was known for his humor and wit, for being an avid Gator fan, for spoiling his dogs, and most importantly for loving his family. He graduated from Landon High School in 1963, attended Jacksonville University and joined the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department where he worked until his retirement in 2003 from Station 27. He pitched for nationally ranked champions Warren Motors Softball Team. He was known by all to be a funny man with a sweet soul who was always willing to give to others. He had stories, jokes, and nicknames for everyone! He was the Mayor of the Coffee Cup Café, had a breakfast club at McDonald's, hung out at Barnes & Noble and Tinseltown movies and was known to be out shaking hands and kissing babies! He loved college football, Blue Bell ice cream and was a card-carrying Blue Bell Ranger. In his later years, he spent his time with his three grandsons, Patrick, Wyatt and Drew, teaching them the important things in life like being able to arm wrestle, spin a basketball on their fingers, and pop a ball with their bicep. His grandsons brought him happiness and joy. He is smiling down on us with his son, Lon, and his family who have passed, reminding us to love and be there for one another.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sue, daughter Sunny Turner Hartigan, son-in-law Joe Hartigan, grandsons Patrick, Watt and Drew Hartigan, brothers Johnny Turner and Bruce Turner, sisters Gina Stufflestreet and Kathy Perusse and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services will be held at a later date due to COVID. Memorials may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.org/tribute.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lonnie Turner
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Tracy Rannow
December 27, 2024
I just found the passing of Lonnie,what a great guy.I knew him and his family from days at Jax bch.He was well rounded in all sports and what a fast pitch he could deliver.My condolences to the family,Tracy Ran [email protected]
Roy Smith
July 4, 2024
Another year so soon but the memories of Lonnie are still strong. Wishing Sue and family a happy Fourth of July.
Lighting fireworks with Lonnie taught me how to run extra fast. You know what I mean if you were there. R Smith
Stuart Weinstein
August 21, 2023
Lonnie was a great competitor and a better friend!!!
Although in a better place he is missed by all who knew him!!!
Mike Shannon
July 9, 2023
I am happy to catch up with Lonnie, as I moved away from Jacksonville long ago. As a young adolescent, I met Lonnie when he worked as the park supervisor at Spring Park playground. He made every day fun! I also played softball with him on some dynamite teams. Thanks for those very fond memories, Lonnie, and I'll catch you later in another life. Your buddy and YFIC, Mike Shannon
Roy Smith
July 4, 2023
There are people we will never forget, Lonnie is one of them!
Roy Smith
July 4, 2022
It's hard to believe that two years has already passed since Lonnie passed. I drove by St Nicholas park where Lonnie was my coach for years. I thought to myself that our world would be so much better if we had people like Lonnie out there helping kids grow up. He was like a big brother to me. He use to take us to the beach to surf and he would only charge us a quarter each but he always bought our lunch heading home. The things Lonnie taught me I have taught my children and grand children. There are very few days I do not think of him. Yes he was funny, intense and unusually friendly but most of all he was a role model to hundreds of us park kids. I miss him very much. Roy
Roy Smith
July 4, 2021
I was a park kid when I met Lonnie. He drove a cool red Chevy SS. Lonnie usually gave me a ride home from the parks but one night he actually let me drive his car. My first driving lesson. He always kept the bullies away from us younger kids. I am sure he is making someone in heaven smile!
mike shannon
July 23, 2020
My sincere condolences to Lonnie's family. I have never met a more fun person to be around. I was just a young high school kid when Lonnie ran the playground at Spring Park. We had a blast with Lonnie in charge. And, yes, he did have nicknames for everybody even back then. I also played softball with him on a team he organized and played for. He made that extra fun too. I will keep Lonnie in my prayers until I die. See you then, Lonnie. Your buddy, Mike Shannon, Walton, Kentucky
John Chappell
July 23, 2020
I remember as a kid Lonnie was the coach of the Southside Buisnessmen at Spring Park summer rec. I remember playing softball against him when he was with Warren Motors ! Loved Lonnie. The world has lost a true character! They don’t make em like Lonnie anymore
John J Keane
July 17, 2020
I was deeply sadden to hear of the passing of Lonnie A. Turner. Many other have described the wonderful, likeable, fun loving, story telling, advisor, forecaster and all the rest of his many talents. Lonnie was a very well respected Member of Jacksonville Fire - Rescue, serving a long career of helping others. May he Rest in Peace with Our Lord.
John Keane
Danny Ingle
July 15, 2020
Lonnie was a good friend of mine. We worked together at Jacksonville Fire/Rescue for years. We played softball together for years sometimes against each other and we played together on the Fire Department team. He was a great player and fun to be around. May he Rest In Peace.
C. D. Thompson
July 14, 2020
I met Coach LT at a Florida Gator function. The first thing I noticed was his wit. He made us all laugh. Coach, you were a gift to all of us. I feel blessed to have known you.
Rest In Peace my friend.
CD Thompson
JERRY SHERROD
July 14, 2020
I MET LONNIE 12-69 WHEN I STARTED WORKING FOR THE RECREATION DEPT. WE BECAME CLOSE FRIENDS. HE GOT ME STARTED PLAYING SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL WITH THE ST. NICHOLAS LOUNGE. WE PLAYED TOGETHER FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS AND THEN HE LEFT WENT TO WARREN MOTORS. WHICH I PLAYED THE SEASON WITH HIM AT WARREN THE LAST YEAR THAT THEY HAD A TEAM. WE STAYED IN TOUCH OVER THE YEARS. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER BULLDOG. HE HAD A WONDERFUL FAMILY.
Brad Glass
July 13, 2020
Very sorry to hear of this. I have known Lonnie for over 40 years and I must congratulate whoever wrote his obituary for truly capturing all that was LT. It made me smile to read the part about him being with Lon. Awesome! Love to the Turner family. Brad Glass
Ken Howell
July 13, 2020
So sad to hear of Lonnie's passing. While stationed at No. 2 fire station, during the 70's, Lonnie would transfer in and work with us on the ladder truck. There was never a dull moment with Lonnie around. He was our source of entertainment. He was the consummate raconteur, and may he rest in the peace of our Lord.
Rock Rawls
July 13, 2020
Lonnie was a very good friend. I enjoyed having coffee with him and friends in our coffee club at McDonald. I will miss him. My prayers are with the family.
John M. Peavy
July 13, 2020
Lonnie thanks for being a friend, GO GATORS
Del Figel
July 12, 2020
I miss having coffee every morning with my friend Lonnie.
Mary Bardon Champney
July 12, 2020
Lonnie was such a genuine nice guy. A kind heart. Prayers for the family.
Skip Marks
July 12, 2020
Lonnie's obituary seems to describe him perfectly. He was always very nice and warm to me and my dog Casper when we walked past his house daily. I was so sorry and surprised to hear about his passing and if there is anything I can do to help you Sue, please do not hesitate to ask. From one dog lover to another, Lonnie was a joy to talk to and a great person to know. My deepest condolences.
Roy Smith
July 12, 2020
I met Lonnie when he was a Park Director at St Nicolas, Spring Park Elementary School. He was about 8 years older than me. Lonnie was more than a coach to me. He taught me to surf, play cork ball, baseball and many other fun sports. He also kept many bullies from kicking my rear at the park. He let me play on his softball team one weekend at a tournament in Cocoa Beach. That was great fun. Lonnie was like a big brother to me and as we grew older we stayed in touch. We watched a day time time movie one day at Tinsletown, a rerun of the Bad News Bears. I will always remember his laughter in that movie. He was the best brother I never had. I will miss him greatly. I am so sorry for your loss Sue.
Don Childers
July 12, 2020
I was saddened to hear the news regarding Lonnie's passing. He was a great guy and quite the character. Like most of Lonnie's friends, I have known him for decades and the one thing that jumped out at me right away when thinking back on all those years, is how he would make me laugh every time I was around him. I have always had and will continue to have a smile on my face whenever I'm thinking of him.
My prayers and condolences go out to Sue and the entire family.
Paul Boucher
July 12, 2020
Sue, I am very sorry for your loss an my deepest condolences to you, Sunny, the boys and all the family. When we met at the Coffee Cup years ago who knew a friendship and dinner partners would develop. Lonnie was truly a character in a good way. I think the business card he had made up that said Lonnie Turner Bon Vivant and Raconteur fit him to a T.
He will be sorely missed by many especially you and the family. Years ago Wanda foun a Native American proverb taht went something like this. They are not gone who live in the hearts of those left behind.
Lonnie I trust you swung level and ran like the devil!
Harry and Lisa Swett
July 11, 2020
To everyone at Station 27, Lonnie or LT was Coach. With his perpetual smile he was quick to be a friend, and mentor. Lisa and I pray for your family during this difficult time and offer our condolences. RIP Lonnie, it was an honor to have known you.
Rosemary D. Hines
July 11, 2020
Please accept my deepest sympathy to all of Lonnie's family and friends at this very sad time. May he now RIP.
george mcclary
July 11, 2020
he was the best that ever was. keep smiling
Cindy Kinf
July 11, 2020
I am so sad to hear of the loss of such a great man. As a friend of Sunnys, he always greeted me with a warm hug and a loving smile. He made me feel comfortable and welcome, and was always genuinely interested in my kids and my life. He listened intently as others spoke and loved deeply. So glad I had the opportunity to know him. Praying for you Sue and Sunny and all the boys as you go through this very difficult time. Much much love.
Cathy Harrison
July 10, 2020
Lonnie was at 27 when my husband Charlie Harrison was stationed there. It was an honor to know Lonnie. Rest in Peace you've earned it.
Joe ( jo jo the dogfaced boy) King
July 10, 2020
Very sad to hear of Lonnie's (Coach) passing. Was always a pleasure and never a dull moment working with him going back to the Fire Station 13 days in San Marco. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, rest in peace my friend.
David Bateh
July 10, 2020
Neighbor and friend for 40 years loved to talk football with Lonnie He will be missed Rest In Peace My friend
Rachel Berkowitz
July 10, 2020
Such a wonderful tribute and so spot on !!! Only thing you forgot to mention were the various TVs always spread about the family room on game days! One of my absolute favorite memories of your dad !!!! Love to you all. -Rach
Bill Weeks
July 10, 2020
I was pleased to have known Lonnie for the last two years of his life with us. Although I did not see him often, I was always greeted with a warm smile and a firm handshake. I could immediately sense his love of family and friends and I feel privileged to have shared the few moments we had together. I am certain he left the world a better place by his time here!
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