Rev. Ronald Lewis Turner, 83, of Mountain Grove, was born on Aug. 30, 1937 and took his heavenly journey Sep. 21, 2020 after a brief illness. Ronnie grew up in the Boyle’s Community near Hartville, the fourth of six sons born to Arch and Jewell (Welch) Turner.Ronnie enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country in Korea. Upon returning, he married Wilma Crewse on Oct. 10, 1958; this union was blessed with three children, James, Jerry and Carolyn Sue (Susie). He worked several year at Brown Shoe Company and later owned several rental properties. His mother’s prayers were answered when Ronnie announced his call to ministry. He pastored Union Grove, Cope, Oak Grove, 37 years at Mountain Grove First General Baptist Church (known as Cornerstone Freewill Baptist now), Dry Creek-Union Chapel up through his final days. He was a warrior for the Lord most of his life and is leaving behind a legacy. Ronnie held revivals in several states in the 70s and 80s; throughout the years, he and Wilma would sing and she played the piano. Before the pandemic, he and his brother, Shirley, were still attending many area nursing homes to sing and play music; of course, Ronnie always had a few “stories” to share. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Carl, Darrell and Harold; his daughter and son-in-law, Susie and Danny Nungesser; a grandson, Jeremy; three great grandchildren, Shane (Boyoh) Turner, Joshua Turner and Trinity Martin. Left to grieve his passing are his wife of 61 years, Wilma, of the home; sons, Jimmy Turner and Jerry Turner and wife, Kathryn; brothers, Shirley and Herman; 23 grandkids; 35 great grandkids; and four great-great grandkids; sisters and brothers-in-law; many nephews and nieces; as well as a host of friends and many souls he led to Christ. The cards may fold, the jokes may fade, fishing poles rest and the music go silent. But what he done for Christ for eternity will last. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2020, at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Mountain Grove, with Bro. Bill Bales officiating. Interment with full military honors was under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool. Online condolences may be made at www.egcfuneralhome.com.
