Sheriff Jackie D. Turner, Sr. (Ret.)

On the morning of Wednesday, October 11, 2017, while surrounded by his loving family, Sheriff Jackie D. Turner, Sr. passed away peacefully at his residence in Marion.  A native and lifelong resident of McDowell County, North Carolina, Mr. Turner was born February 24, 1945 and was the son of the late Boyd and Ruby Lewis Turner.  He was also preceded in death by one brother, Eugene Turner; and two sisters, Linda Turner and Jane Turner.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Mr. Turner, at an early age, began his law enforcement career with the Marion Police Department.  In 1994 he was elected Sheriff, proudly and honorably served the citizens of McDowell County until his retirement in 2008.  A member of Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church in Marion, Sheriff Turner, in his spare time enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, but most of all, spending quality time with his family.

Sheriff Turner is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Pat Turner; one son, Jackie Dean Turner, Jr.; two daughters, Gina Turner Holland and her husband, Eugene; and Charity Turner; one sister, Gail Turner; and one brother, Ray Turner.  He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Lauren Holland, Lindsay Robinson, Jackson Lukas Turner, Grant Robinson and his wife, Cierra, Elijah Turner, Madalyn Robinson, Hope Turner and Robbie Young; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of Sheriff Turner’s life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry McClain officiating.  Honors along with pallbearers will be provided by law enforcement agencies.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Sheriff Tuner’s memory are asked to consider The Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 1166, Marion, North Carolina 28752.