Joseph Wayne Turner

In Loving Memory of LCDR Joseph Wayne “Joe” Turner, U.S. Navy Retired, September 16, 1941 – December 2, 2025.  A Celebration of Life will be held on January 17, 2026 at 10:00 am at Martin United Methodist Church, 2621 Bedford Rd., Bedford, TX 76021. 

Joseph Turner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025 in Bedford, TX at the age of 84. His long and beautiful life was marked by his devotion to God, family, service and the values that shaped the man we were blessed to know.

Joe was born in Atlanta, GA, in 1941, to Dorris and Beatrice Turner and spent his formative years growing up in nearby McDonough, GA.  After graduating from Henry County High School, he went on to attend The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1964; an achievement he carried with great pride.

In that same year, Joe entered the Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, where he earned his commission as an Ensign the following year. He continued his training at NAS Pensacola, receiving his Naval Flight Officer wings in 1966, which led to a career flying the E-2C “Hawkeye” with steadfast skill and dedication. Joe furthered his education by attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, graduating in 1971 with a Master of Science in Engineering. Joe taught at the United States Naval Academy and finished his Navy career in Washington D.C.  His Naval career reflected the discipline of his mind, the steadiness of his character, and his commitment to serving something greater than himself.

Following his military service, which concluded in 1985, Joe went on to work for Bell Helicopter, in Ft. Worth, Texas, as a group engineer, where his leadership, innovation, and technical expertise became a defining part of his second career.  He worked on many projects for Bell, including the LHX program and the V-22 Osprey.  He retired from Bell in 2005, after twenty years of dedicated work.

Joe spent the majority of his retirement years wearing many different hats, his favorite being “Pops” to his grandchildren.  Joe was also a devoted member of Martin United Methodist Church in Bedford, TX, making friendships that would last the remainder of his life.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his parents, and his brother, Bobby Turner. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Toni Turner, who was his heart and life’s companion. He also leaves behind his son Michael (Amy) Turner and his treasured grandchildren, Brooke and Gavin Turner of Colleyville, TX. Joe is further survived by his brother Jim (Debby) Turner of Marietta, GA; nephew Hanson (Erin) Turner; niece Kathleen (Sean) Scheideler of Washington, D.C., Niece Shari Goudie, Leland, NC, Niece Lori Reyes, Buena Park, CA, Niece Diana (Francis) Toney, Garner, NC and Nephew Richard (Sharon) Goudie, Arlington, DC, and a large circle of extended Turner and Rothrock families, and friends who loved him deeply.

Joe was a man remembered as being kind, intelligent, funny, and full of warmth. Those who knew him recall not only his wisdom and gentle presence, but also the way he brought laughter to those around him, his kindness being overshadowed only by his quick wit.

He loved to travel, and he and Toni spent many years cruising the world alongside dear friends and family, keeping cherished memories in their hearts. Today, as we imagine him embarking on his next great journey, we picture him once again at sea; this time cruising new waters, charting new horizons, and watching over those he loves.

He lived with purpose, he loved without condition, and he leaves behind a legacy woven into every life he touched. His family will forever feel his absence, even as they continue to carry forward his memory; with love, gratitude, and joy for the lifetime they were blessed to share.  “Fair winds and following seas;” until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to Martin United Methodist Church, Bedford, TX, Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of your choice.