Harold Wayne Turner "PawPaw"

Harold Wayne Turner, a devoted husband, loving father, proud PawPaw, and legendary community fixture, passed away leaving behind a legacy built on hard work, fierce loyalty, and unconditional love. Above all else, Harold loved God with all his heart. His unshakeable faith was the bedrock of his life, guiding his actions, fueling his generosity, and anchoring him through every season.

Born second of seven children, Harold learned the value of labor early, getting his start roofing at just nine years old—a testament to the grit and determination that defined his entire life. At 18, he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army, honorably serving two tours in the Vietnam War.

Upon returning home, Harold met the love of his life, Debra Turner. Knowing a good thing when he saw it, he married her just two months later. Their lifelong union was blessed with two children, Shirley and Robert. Harold spent his career as a skilled trade engineer for Frito-Lay, working specifically on industrial fryers, applying his hands-on ingenuity and sharp mind to everything he touched.

Beyond his work, Harold’s heart belonged to the simple, meaningful pleasures of life. He loved to fish, was an avid farmer who took great care of his cows, and cherished time outdoors. But above all, his family was his greatest pride. He became the beloved "Pawpaw" to three grandsons, and his family only continued to grow as he proudly welcomed a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant as a son-in-law, along with a grandson—currently a Major in the Air Force—and a granddaughter into his heart, joined by marriage and bound by love. Over time, his warmth and generosity earned him the unofficial title of Pawpaw to all that know him, including the students at Open Door Christian Academy, where his presence, warmth, and encouragement left a lasting mark on many young lives.

Harold was an incredible role model to countless young men over the years. For eight years, he faithfully fed the Kemp football team, rarely missing a game. Whether it was basketball, cross country, baseball, or most recently, golf, Pawpaw was always in the stands or on the sidelines, supporting his boys with unwavering pride.

In his later years, Harold slowed down, but he never quit. Even as health battles and pain grew great, his deep love for his family got him up every single day. His strength, courage, and resilience were an inspiration to everyone who knew him, and his family remains profoundly grateful for everything he endured just to stay with them as long as he could.

Harold's life was a testament to hard work, devotion to family, and service to others. He will be deeply missed, forever honored, and never forgotten.

Harold is preceded in death by his son, Robert Turner; parents, Harold Glen Turner and Joan Dunham Turner; mom- and dad-in-love, James and Jewel Reed; sisters, Carolyn Ritz, and Sandy Ballard; and brother, Frank Turner.

Those here to suffer his passing are his wife and love of his life, Debra Kay Turner; his closest companion, Mr. Yogi; children, Tommy & Shirley Chasteen; grandchildren, Trevor and Jessica Chasteen, Peyton aka “Platonian” and Hanna, Ethyn aka “Middleman,” and Erin Daltyn “MY Right Arm,” and Ireland; siblings, Margaret and Bob Boone, Jenny and Sammy Ramsey, Linda and Williams Ramsey, siblings by love, Brenda and Donnie Deramee, Donna and Jim Renfro, Anita and Larry Jones, James “Sambo” and Wii Reed, Carolyn and Rick Bail, as well as numerous family, friends, and loved ones.

We will be Speaking and would love participation from those of you that love him and would like to share a story or a memory. If you want to be involved, please reach out to Shirley at 903-229-3837 as soon as possible.
She will be making itinerary to make sure everyone is coordinated.