Arizona Joe Turner
Sunrise: September 16, 1941 ………. Sunset: November 12, 2018
Arizona Joe Turner (affectionately known as Tutt), was born September 16, 1941 in Elkhart Texas, to the parentage of Rogers and Gertrude Turner. Joe accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Rocky Springs Baptist Church. He attended Elkhart School District and graduated from W.R. Banks High School in Grapeland, TX.
Joe loved his beloved home town of Grapeland and Grapeland definitely loved him back! He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying the simple pleasures of motorcycling, hunting, fishing, gardening, raising his goats, and playing dominos. It was in Grapeland where he met, befriended, courted, and married his 1st wife, Jo Hazel Wagner…to this union two children were born: Wayne Bernard and Renee Turner.
During his years in Dallas, Joe discovered his passion as a truck driver and drove for Trinity Industries, Kimball Van lines, and Joe Hall Construction, as well as various other trucking companies. It was also in Dallas where he met and united in matrimony with Eva M. Valentine and family. Upon retiring from truck driving, “The Honky-Tonk Cowboy” put down his CB mike and returned to his beloved Grapeland. He became a member of Rising Star Baptist Church, where under the leadership of Pastor Lawrence E. Brown, he served faithfully until his transition.
Those who knew Arizona (Tutt), you knew him to be Self-Confident, Feisty, Highly Spirited and Full of Life! Additionally, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend to all. He was a man of integrity; simply put….his word was his bond!!! Suffice it to say….Monday, November 12, 2018 God decided to grant Arizona Joe (Tutt) Turner the ultimate gift, the gift of eternal life, rest and peace. And his faithful daughter (until the very end), was by his side letting go and letting God.
Arizona Joe Turner was preceded in death by his Parents: Rogers and Gertrude Turner; Son, Wayne Bernard Turner; Brothers Johnny Turner, Albert Turner, Sr.; Sisters Willie Mae Gambrell, Eula Lois Walker, and Elzada Miller.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory; Wife Eva M. Turner; Daughter Renee Turner; Paternal Grandson’s, Tremale A. Brooks, Jr., Eric Denby (Lashunda), Terrence Wayne Turner; Paternal Great-Grandchildren, Madison R. Brooks, Trenton A. Brooks; and a host of nieces, cousins, other relatives, friends, and his Rising Star Baptist Church Family.
Services were held Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Rising Star Baptist Church. Interment Pilgrim Black Cemetery, Elkhart, TX. Arrangements were under the direction of Walker & Walker Funeral Home.
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