- Date Of Birth: October 20, 1931
- Date Of Death: February 6, 2022
- State: Illinois
William Ray “Bill” Turner passed away February 6, 2002, in Pasco WA. Bill was born in Lake City, AR on October 20, 1931 to Raymond R and Flossie B (Craft) Turner.
At the age of 15, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served for 22 years as active duty and eight inactive. Bill married the love of his life, Rosalie Mae (Webber) on January 5, 1950 in Jonesboro, AR after their meeting on a blind date, while she was attending nursing school.
Bill was involved in many things while in the Marines. He served in Korea, Okinawa, Japan, Cuba and Vietnam. He was part of the Seabee’s as well as in the 9th Engineering Battalion. While on Reserve status in Dallas, he helped start the Toys for Tots branch there, where they collected lots of used wagons, bikes, doll strollers and such and the men would refinish them like new. At Christmas time they were then given out to needy children. While in Vietnam and Japan, he played Santa for local children. He was the Commander of the Freeport VFW for several years, was involved with the Eagles, Moose and Elks clubs; and became a 32nd degree Mason, where he was a member of the Tabala Shriners and would drive his miniature car with his Shriner brothers in parades around the area.
Bill retired from the Marines in June of 1970, worked briefly for Kelly Springfield Tires and Bauch Ever-Soft, eventually working for the city of Freeport for 22 years as the Street Superintendent.
Bill is survived by one son William M (Debbie) Turner of Pasco, WA, and three daughters. Nancy Newton of Freeport, IL, Angie (Joe) Irving of Beloit, WI, and Susan Ward of Rockford, IL. Grandchildren Brian and Daniel Turner, Heather (Bill) Andrews, Kristen (Erik) Janssen; Abby (Sam) Krueger, Libby Irving, Ben Mahoney, Levi (Britt Garrison), Dalton; Schaider, Remy and Moises Ward, and Christopher Oppold. Great grandchildren, Vega Oelfein, David Lancaster, Katelyn and Carter Janssen, Kaden and Annalynne Andrews, Zaby Ward; Jack & Luke Huston, and Trey Turner. Brothers Ray Turner of Greensboro, NC, Jack Turner of Arlington, TX, Sisters Dorothy Martin of Brussels, IL and Catherine McCombs of Las Vegas, NV.
Bill is preceded by his wife Rosalie, daughter Betsy Oppold, his parents, his brother Charles Turner, sister Shirley Olson, sisters-in-law Mary Turner and Peggy Turner and grandchildren Jennifer J Huston and Scott A Halbin.
