David Hal Turner's Obituary
David Hal Turner, 63, passed away on January 24, 2022 at his home in Madison, TN. Born December 12, 1958 he was preceded in death by his parents, Hal Green Turner and Mary Elizabeth Blankenship Turner.
Dave kept loved ones laughing at the end with his irreverent sense of humor as he faced death. He was ready to go but refused to leave without letting his daughters Brandi Turner and Nicole Turner, son Kyle Turner, grandson Corban Turner and “best girl” & companion Deena Bruce know how much he loved and cared for each of them.
In 2018 Dave retired from the California School System where he was Operations Supervisor for Black Butte School in Shingletown. After selling or giving away most of his “stuff” he loaded his car and returned to Tennessee and the home where he grew up. He was determined to spend his retirement “doing whatever he wanted to do whenever he wanted to do it.”
Within a year, Dave-always a hard worker, grew bored with so much idle time and accepted a full time position with St. Joseph Catholic Church and School in Madison. He quickly became a valued part of the community at St. Joe.
On weekends when he wasn’t setting up for events at St. Joseph, Dave looked forward to relaxing, having a few beers and watching sports. He was a fan of Vanderbilt basketball and baseball, the Tennessee Titans, and the San Francisco Giants.
He loved to feed and watch the “boids” from his back deck and would make up stories about their romantic escapades. He had a gift for growing tomatoes and reviving dead plants. He enjoyed being chauffeured around the Madison area while he shared stories of his adventures growing up there. These drives included many stops to check out farmers markets, estate sales, railroad tracks, dirt piles. Brief stops–once Dave saw what he wanted to see, he was ready to move on to the next thing.
His grandson Corban says his Grandpa is a Samurai Angel now. Dave was fiercely protective so we know our Samurai Angel will be looking out for us. We loved him dearly and already miss him so much.
There will not be a funeral service at this time. Family and friends of David Turner will be invited to a gathering this Spring to remember and share stories. Donations in David's memory may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church & School, 1225 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115 or to your favorite charity.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?