William Turner

Amory – William Devan Turner, 63, died on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at North MS Medical Center. Born on September 16, 1948, in Pontotoc County, he was a son of Evelyn Obine Taylor Turner and the late William Lester “Red” Turner.
Devan was a graduate of Amory High School, Class of 1966, and of Vaughn’s Beauty College in 1967. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1968-1973, stationed in Norfolk, VA, on the USS Springfield. Dedicated to his job, Devan, “Babe” to his coworkers, retired in October 2008, having worked in the B & B Department for Frisco, Burlington Northern, and Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad. After retiring, he worked at Herring’s Service Station and enjoyed every hour of it. Passionate for the Lord and about his church family, Devan served as the head usher and was active in the Helping Hands ministry at Trace Road Baptist Church. Loving yet sometimes overly determined, he cherished spending time with his family. He was a supporter of the Amory Humane Society and was a former member of Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way. Devan enjoyed Gospel and instrumental saxophone music, going to auctions, and working in the yard.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 20 years, Cathy Hadaway Turner, Amory; mother, Obine Turner, Amory; daughters, Lori Carter, Kelli Rooks, Shannon, and Amanda Wideman (Jeff), Amory; special children, Jesse and Lil’ Man; brother, Steve Turner (Pam), Amory; grandchildren, Genesis Rooks, Taylor Rooks, Cody Sheffield; two grand-dogs, Bella and Bruiser; nieces and nephews, Carrie Hicks, Matthew Turner, Whitney Baughman (Chris), and Chris Elledge (Penny).
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Lera Turner, Chester and Eathel Taylor and special friend, Ken Tidwell.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 PM, Friday, December 30 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Jamie Stark officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Young Memorial Garden. Pallbearers will be Earnie Tidwell, Paul Estis, Ben Stark, Matthew Turner, Brad Tidwell, Scotty Tidwell, Josh Pickle, and Jacob Reeves. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of BNSF Railroad and owners and employees of Herring’s Service Station.
Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Trace Road Baptist Church building fund, 1201 Trace Church Rd., Amory, MS 38821 or to Amory Humane Society, 1317 Old Hwy. 6, Amory, MS 38821.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.