John E. Turner, 78

John Turner

John Edward Turner, 78, of Chiefland, Fla., passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.

A native of Bridgton, born on Nov. 2, 1942, John enjoyed summer and winter sports of all kinds, often reminiscing of hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and fishing its many clear, cold trout streams, and of enjoying and excelling in team sports, especially baseball and basketball. Introduced to golf at an early age by his grandmother, this sport would remain the one he loved most, and played well longest. His love of team sports would spur him on to later successfully coach basketball in middle and high school, winning a Triple C championship with his team in Windham.

When the Cuban Missile Crisis took place, John joined the United States Marine Corps, and served in Vietnam, 1964 to 1965. Once a Marine, always a Marine!

After having moved to Florida, with his master’s degree in counseling, John worked for the School Board of Levy County. Upon retiring from his career in education, this adventurer accumulated over a million miles as a commercial truck driver. No boring life here!

Those who knew and loved him will miss his amazing memory for sports trivia, history, literature, and geography, and remember his loving empathy and generosity. He never met a stranger, and never forgot a name.

A memorial service is planned for later due to Covid-19. 

The family requests that tributes be made to Turning Point Ministry, P.O. Box 2440, Chiefland, Fl, 32644, where John received loving spiritual guidance, acceptance and fellowship.