William Morris Turner

William Morris Turner, 83, of Elgin, passed away surrounded by his loving family Tuesday morning, Nov. 24, 2020.

Visitation was Nov. 28 at Elgin Funeral Home, and graveside services followed in McDade Cemetery with the Rev. Hans Lillejord presiding.

William was born April 3, 1937, to Euell and Ruby Ola Turner in Elgin. His grandmother nick-named him “sugar man,” so if you were a childhood friend, that’s probably how you remember him.

He attended school at the Pleasant Grove Community and worked on his parents’ farm until joining the United States Navy in 1955 and was stationed in California, China and Japan. William served honorably aboard the USS Los Angeles 135 as a helicopter-mechanic, mail courier and search-rescue team member.

After leaving the Navy, he returned to Elgin and worked as the butcher for the Southside Market.

William married Nelda Stockton from Elgin in 1959. He later married Nancy Adams from Hamilton in 1971. He has lived the past 21 years with his best friend, Laura Vrana in Elgin.

William enjoyed fishing, hunting and visiting with friends. Aside from being an excellent butcher, he was also a talented carpenter. William never met a stranger and could talk to anyone for hours.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Euell and Ruby Turner; his daughter, Helen Grady; sister Ruby Nell Bowen; and brother James Euell Turner.

He is survived by his children, Angie and husband Mike Carter, Carla Detrixhe, Lisa Grady, Justin Turner and wife Sherry, Amber and husband Dalton Alford; his sisters, Mary Ola Market and Lina Bell Ging; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and lots of dear friends.

His quick wit and risky jokes will be missed by all who knew and loved him.