Roy Edwin Turner, age 89, passed away March 17, 2023, from complications of dementia. He was born in Toronto, Ontario on October 27, 1933. He attended Palmerston Public School but left at age 16 to get a job and buy a car. At 18, he was hired by Trane Air Conditioning Factory as a laborer. In the 42 years of employment there, he worked up to Plant Supervisor. Attending night classes, Roy completed his education and earned a BA degree in Administrative Studies from York University in 1978.
Roy continued to live in Toronto until after his retirement in 1994, the same year he took a European Vacation and met Muriel Wells Turner. Their long-distance relationship led to marriage in 1997 when he began the immigration process. It took seven years, but Roy became a proud U.S. citizen in 2004 which made him eligible to vote. That was a dream-come-true to him; he went the extra mile and served in many elections as a poll worker.
After moving here, Roy served as a volunteer at Marianna Middle School and Graceville Elementary School and at each school became the requested substitute teacher. He volunteered at two food pantries: Chipola Ministries and First Presbyterian Church. He was on the Board of Directors of Chipola Arts Association and never missed a Chipola Fine Arts Performance. Roy was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Marianna.
He was well known for his “Canadian good manners”; his friendliness and hugs; his love of movies and musical shows; and his love for his new-found southern family and friends. He was fond of reading, traveling and shopping.
Roy is survived by his wife, Muriel and his daughter, Kathryn Turner of Toronto; he is also survived by Muriel’s daughters: Maria Heil, and Meredith Beckham and husband, Joe. He had five grandchildren: Austin Heil and wife, Aarum; Graham Heil, Sophie Beckham, Paul Beckham, and Ava Beckham. Also surviving are many extended family members in Canada and the United States.
Memorial services will be 3:00 PM, Sunday, March 26, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church of Marianna with Dr. Raymond Guterman officiating and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund; Chipola Regional Arts Association Endowment Fund; Emerald Coast Hospice, or your favorite charity.
