Fred Turner - Class of 1945

[Bob]

TURNER, FRED H. - of Knoxville, passed away 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015 at his home at the age of 87. Fred was born in Knoxville on September 21, 1927. He grew up in the Lonsdale area and was saved at a tent revival in the neighborhood. He later joined and was baptized at Lonsdale Baptist Church at the age of 13. Little did he know that at that time his future bride-to-be, Betty Davis, was being baptized in the same water. He attended Lonsdale Elementary School and Rule High School graduating in 1945. While attending high school he worked part-time in the family grocery business called C.H. Turner & Sons. When he turned 18 he joined the Navy and served in the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Caribbean, receiving an honorable discharge. On returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Davis. In 1950 he joined the Knoxville Police Department and served 34 years in several different capacities, retiring in 1984 as detective captain. During this period he and his wife had three children and moved to the Arlington section of North Knoxville and became members of Arlington Baptist Church. Fred served on many committees and as a deacon where he is still a member. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Claude H. and Minnie E. Turner; two brothers, James H., and Claude H., Jr., and one sister, Ruby E. Bledsoe and husband, Harley Bledsoe. Survivors include loving wife of 67 years, Betty L. Turner; son, Fred H. Turner, Jr.; daughter, Connie S. Underwood; and son, Martin W. Turner and wife, Marilyn; grandchildren and spouses; Brant and wife Erika Underwood, Nikki and husband Seth Snowman; Buck Turner and wife Josette Lawson; Mitchell and wife Danielle Turner; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Marie E. Turner; sister-in-law, Ellen Turner; several nieces and nephews. Many thanks to all who loved and cared for him in his time of need.