Charles Thomas Turner's Obituary
Charles Thomas Turner, 86, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at his residence in Harbor City, California. He was born to Harry and Mamie (Nelson) Turner on October 17, 1938, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Stanley Methodist Church for many years.
After graduating Chattanooga’s Howard High School in 1956, Charles enlisted and served eight years in the United States Air Force where his assignments took him to Alaska, Texas, Mississippi, Las Vegas and Italy.
Upon separating from the Air Force, Charles moved to the state of California. His first job in California was with TRW Corporation’s Apollo 11 Lunar Module staff, allowing him to, quietly; help put the first man on the moon. Charles briefly worked for Hughes Communications before moving to the City of Los Angeles as a Communications Electrician. Charles also worked for the L.A. Unified School District as an auditor, the Internal Revenue Service as a field agent and finally the Department of Water and Power where he was an instructor, trainer and supervisor in its Information Technology Services Business Unit.
Charles continued his education by earning his Associate’s degree from Los Angeles City College, two (2) Bachelor of Science Degrees in Business Administration majoring in Finance-Real Estate, Accounting, and a Master’s degree with a major in Vocational Education all from California State University, Long Beach. He was also a credentialed Community College Instructor at Pasadena City College.
Charles liked to swim, walk, and attend jazz and blues concerts, play tennis, basketball and pool.
However busy his schedule, he always took time to listen to you.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Harry W. Turner Sr., Mamie Turner; and his brother, Harry W. Turner Jr.
Charles is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Curlean (Washington) Turner; son, James (Susan) of Long Beach CA, son, Jeffrey of Harbor City, CA, and son, Gregory (Melissa) of Apple Valley, CA; brother, Ruben (Bernadine) of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jason (Heenle), Kathleen (Gordon) Turner-Purves, Charles, and Victoria; great-grandchildren, Jemina and Jarrin; sisters-in-law, Marie Bailey, of Chattanooga, Celia Stovall of Cleveland, OH, Nancy Roseberry of Jacksonville, FL, Deloris (Johnny) Pruett of Las Vegas, NV, Glenda Washington, and Jancie Washington, both of Chattanooga; brother-in-law, James Washington, of Cleveland, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; devoted friend, Abraham (Doretha) Yates of Ocal
a, FL, who he met while serving in the Air Force.
Charles will lie-in-state on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Ronald Harris as the Eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests don
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