CPO, Ret. Mr. Byron Kelly Turner

Byron Kelly Turner was born in Brooklyn, New York as one of six children to Junius and Virginia Turner on November 7, 1961.  Byron Kelly Turner, affectionately known as “Brownie”, departed this life on December 26, 2023.

He was educated in the public schools of Washington, D. C. He graduated from McKinley Technology High School and attended the University of the District of Columbia. After his formal education, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and devoted Thirty years to serving our country. He retired in 2016 as a Chief Petty Officer. He dedicated twenty years of his life to Nucor Steele Corporation, retiring as a Mechanical Engineer. Most recently, he began using his engineering talents for the Military Sealift Command on a new career journey, and within two years was promoted to Third Assistant Engineer.

He married the love of his life, Catherine, in 1988. Through this union two children were born: Cheyenne and Byron II. He adored his family and was often quoted saying that they are his greatest accomplishments. He was particularly excited about the upcoming nuptials of his son in May 2024, and building a grand train set for his grandson later the same year. When he wasn’t playing “Husband”, “Dad”, or “Papa”, he enjoyed traveling, food, and connecting with people through conversation, always spreading his infectious laughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Junius and Virginia Turner; two brothers, Gillie, and Winford Turner; sister, Ramenta Turner; bonus mother, Ellen Vincent; and bonus father, Robert Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of thirty-five years, Catherine Turner of Summerville, SC; daughter, Cheyenne Gracy (Ricky) of Houston, TX; son, Byron Turner II, (Katie) of Detroit, MI; grandson, Ricky Gracy II, of Houston, TX; three sisters, Jacqueline Gibson of Brooklyn, NY, Kimberly Turner of Spartanburg, SC, and Zanetta Bowden Villegas (Jose) of Upper Marlboro, MD; mother-in-law, Linell Lolly (Jerry) of Ruffin, SC; brother-in-law, Willis Lolly (Irene) of Ruffin, SC; sister-in-law, Bridgette Murdaugh (Todd) of Lithonia, GA; three uncles, Thomas Behling of Queens, NY, Charles Behling, of Ruffin, SC, and Roger Behling, of Hightstown, NJ; two aunts, Mary Behling of Ruffin, SC and Diane Behling of Ruffin, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and close friends.

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