Ralph Turner

Ralph Edward Turner

- age 93 of Clermont FL., formerly Tavares FL. was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 30, 2019. Ralph will join Beverly, his beloved wife for 59 1/2 years who pre-deceased him on April 11, 2007. Born in Washington, DC to Ralph & Dorothy Dixon Turner on October 11, 1925. Ralph is survived by daughters Sheila T. Bybee of Lee's Summit, MO., Marilyn T. Johnston of Sharpesburg, GA., & Ruth T. DuPont of Clermont, FL.; son Alan W. Turner of Orlando, FL.; seven grandchildren & four great-grandchildren.

After graduation from Eastern High School in Washington DC in June 1943, Ralph worked in the Army Air Corps Photo Lab in the Pentagon until he joined the Army in December of that year. He served as a Combat Infantry Light Machine Gunner in the 86th Infantry Division during World War II. This included service in Western Europe through V.E. Day and subsequent discharge in February 1946 from Newton D. Baker General Hospital in West Virginia under Public Law 16.

Beverly and Ralph were married in Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington DC on September 6, 1947. Over the years they visited in all 50 states as well as in Canada and Mexico. Also, trips were made to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, & Morocco; which helped deepen their Christian Faith. This was especially brought out when walking where Jesus walked on the temple steps and along the path of the triumphal entry into Old Jerusalem and by participation in a Marriage Vow Renewal Service Cana of Galilee. Several Tours to Western Europe and a Caribbean cruise to the Panama Canal were made with friends.

Ralph was ordained as a deaconin Northside Baptist Church in Burlington, NC. in August 1955. He faithfully served as a Deacon in Southern Baptist Churches in Florida and Colorado ever since then. He also served as a Sunday School Director, Teacher, Usher, and served on various committees as well as vacation bible school.

Ralph graduated from Catholic University in Washington DC with a Bachelor's of Electrical Engineering Degree in 1950. He also earned a Master of Business Administration Degree in June of 1961, and a Master of Science Degree in Engineering Physics, both from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Ralph used his education in many years of work as an Engineer in the Aero-Space industry with several industrial firms and the US Defense Department. His aero-space career ended with retirement from Lockheed Martin Company on November 1, 1990 after 32 years of service in Orlando, FL., Denver, CO., & Huntsville, AL.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019, 11am at the First Baptist Church of Mount Dora, 1000 E. 1st Ave., Mount Dora, FL. 32757. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Mount Dora in Mr. Turner's memory. He will be laid to rest in Highland Memory Gardens, Apopka FL. at the convenience of the family. Arangements entrusted to Highland Funeral Home, Apopka FL.