Elder Larry (Sr.) Turner

May 6, 1959 ~ December 26, 2024        65 Years Old

Elder Larry Turner, Sr. passed away at the Ernestine M. Raclin House on December 26, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.   Elder Larry Turner was born May 6, 1959 to Lucius Turner, Sr. and Annie Mae (Black) Turner in South Bend, Indiana.

He received his formal education at Benjamin Harrison Elementary School and Washington High School. He attended McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas and Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia. He was an outstanding athletic where he excelled in football both at Benjamin Harrison Elementary School and at Washington High School playing for Coach Van Camp. Throughout his high school years, he played on four championship teams. In 1978 achieving Second Team All Conference (NIC), Sectional Conference (1977) and Freshman City Champs. It has been said and proven Elder Turner stood heads above all of his teammates and was affectionately known as “Truck Turner”.

He was raised in a Christian household and attended Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Dave Davis.

Elder Larry Turner, Sr. was a faithful member of Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC under the leadership of Bishop Donald L. Alford, Sr. He was ordained as an Elder in the Church of God In Christ by Bishop Donald L. Alford, Sr. in July 2016. He served as Bishop Alford’s Armorbearer and Adjutant as well as being a Certified National Adjutant in the Church of God In Christ until his health no longer permitted him to serve in that capacity. Elder Turner served as Chairman of the Trustee Board, Church Van Driver on Sundays, driving to AIM Conventions, Jurisdictional meetings, always willing to drive the women of the church for their outings, and transporting the youth when needed. Elder Turner loved his church, loved our Bishop Donald L. Alford Sr., he loved serving in the church for any and all duties, sparing no cost as well as his time for Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC.

Elder Turner owned and operated Turner and Son Professional Handyman Service. He was a lover of all genres of music and entertainment especially the legendary James Brown. He often would reminisce about the talent show at Harrison Elementary when he first performed his James Brown Act bringing the school’s gymnasium to its feet. MC Goodtyme was the best front man of all times not only for his band New Management All Star Band but being a member of MT Pocket Band and front man for other artists and at a multitude of venues.

In addition to his parents, Lucius and Annie Mae Turner, he was predeceased by his sister Ann Shenette Dixon.  Surviving, in addition to his wife of 36 years Karen P. Gaines Turner, are his children, Patrice Pittman, South Bend, IN, Yvonne (Tio) Brooks, Newport News, VA, Larry D. Turner II, South Bend, IN, and Charity Turner, South Bend, IN. He also raised a niece, Sherica S. Gilliam, Dallas TX.  Grandchildren: Tionne Brooks, Jaiden Brooks, Leigha Pittman, Ryleigh Pittman, and Quinton Brooks. Brothers: Curtis (Hattie) Turner, Norfolk VA, Lucius (Jan) Turner, Jr., Lawrence KS, and Timmie Turner, Denver CO.  Sister in Love Jacci Gaines Davis, Atlanta GA, Brother in Laws Franklin D. (Linda) Gaines Jr., Denver, CO and Terrence (Velitia) Gaines, Atlanta, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Lifelong friends, Rene Taylor, Dallas, TX and Ricky Erby, South Bend, IN.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of Elder Larry Turner, Sr., would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Memorial Hospital 7^th Floor Stroke Unit, Dr. Adnan Yousuf, and the staff of Ernestine M. Raclin House, Mishawaka, IN for their compassionate care of our loved one.

The family would like to express our appreciation for all of the love, support, and condolences received during this difficult time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolences may be shared.

01/01/2025 djb

https://www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/ElderLarry-Turner