Michael Dewayne Turner

On Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Skyline Medical Center, God, in his infinite wisdom, called Michael DeWayne Turner home to his eternal rest. Michael was born in Memphis, Tennessee on January 8, 1957; Michael was the oldest sibling of Clarence Raymond and Freida Turner with four other siblings, Ronald, Latonya, Rodney and Tyrone.


At an early age, he became part of a “blended family” which included John and Thomas Cross, Donna, Phillip and Andrew Reed (Andrew preceded Michael in death) All ten members of the blended family spent their formative years with their grandparent John and Ada Powell in a three-room shot-gun house located in Arlington Tennessee. It was through GOD's plan that this family became so close, that one could not fall without the other. Many people in the community automatically assumed that they were all blood brothers and sisters. Michael was a true protector for all his younger siblings.


At an early age he professed his faith and belief in God and was baptized at Belmont Baptist Church. He later rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized at Born Again Church under the Pastorate of Bishop Horace E. Hockett. He was an original member of the choir, served as a Deacon and volunteered as a teacher in Children’s Church.


Michael was educated in the Shelby County School System and graduated from Bolton High School in Arlington, Tennessee. After high school, Michael went to serve in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1979. After his time served in the US Army, Michael enrolled at Tennessee State University, where he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communication and Theatre.


Michael met Connie Swift the love of his life during his time at Tennessee State University, outside of Professor Hockett’s communication class. Michael and Connie entered a loving marriage on August 10, 1985. To this union three children were born; two sons and one daughter: Davyd, Tavaris and Victoria and each of them revered him as a devoted father. He was fondly known as “Paw- Paw” to his grandchildren: Trevon Sanders, Honesty, Lavarius, Laquan and Ocean Turner.


After college Michael went to work at Viacom Communications, which later became known as Xfinity Comcast, until he retired in June 2014.


Michael enjoyed life and family. He was a very caring person and showed his love to family and friends by inviting them over to enjoy a soul food meal and fellowship. Michael loved showing off his cooking skills and boy did he know how to spread a table on such holidays as Thanksgiving & Christmas! His favorite desert was pecan pie and carrot cake, which he looked forward to receiving from his neighbor.


During family gatherings and reunions, Michael loved to rock the mic as the DJ, adding humor to his own free styling. His family enjoyed his performances immensely. He was tooled with various roles at the reunions including being a keynote speaker, MVP of the basketball tournament in his earlier years and performing as an auctioneer. Michael also was an avid checker player, and he took pride that only his brother-in-law, Tony, could beat him.


Prior to retirement Michael loved serving as a youth baseball umpire. Michael loved sports, especially football, baseball and basketball. Michael who was affectionately called “Duck” had a competitive spirit and it was reflected on the football field at Bolton High School, where he became one of the hardest hitting defensive back on the team during their historic 8-2 record.


Michael was a true-blue fan of both the Tennessee Titans and his alma mater, Tennessee State University’s football team. Michael stood out at every game being his own cheering section. In other words, he did not need any help. During his daughters’ middle school basketball and volleyball days, Michael became known for his saying “DO WHAT YOU DO “1-2,1-2.” and the crowd chanted the same behind him.


Michael was a jack of all trade and a master of many. He could do just about anything from assembling things, to painting, to carpentry work, and even work on his own car. He took care of all of Connie’s Honey-Do lists.


Michael was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Turner; his maternal grandparents John and Ada Powell; his paternal grandparents Clarence and Amelia Turner and his nephew, Josiah Turner and his mother-in-law Mary Elizabeth Swift.


The memories of his life will forever be shared by his devoted wife, Connie Swift-Turner; loving and devoted daughter, Victoria Turner; devoted sons: Davyd and Tavaris Turner; loving grandchildren, Travon Sanders, Honesty, Lavarius, Laquan and Ocean Turner; devoted mother, Freida Turner- Savage; devoted sister, LaTonya (Tony) Jefferson (Memphis, TN); devoted
brothers, Ronald (Angela) Turner, Sr. (Meridian, MS), Rodney Turner (Jackson, TN), Tyrone Turner (Atlanta, GA); nephews, Tony Jefferson, Mario Harris, Tremaine Turner, Ronald(Myranda)Turner Jr., Denzel (Kristina) Turner, Julius Turner, Everett (Latrena) Turner; nieces, Erica Turner, Lauren Sturgis, Ariel and Erin Turner.


Sister-in laws; Porsha (David) Theus, Glenda Duncan, Brother-in-laws; Jasper Roy Swift, Donnie (Donna) Swift. Close friends; Donnie Williams, Lionel Booker and Kylan King and a host of other relatives and friends.


‘Michael’s saying reminds us that we can't go wrong when GOD is strong. “


Public viewing Sunday, August 22nd from 2-5pm at Highland Hills Funeral Home, 2422 Brick Church Pike.

Visitation Monday, August 23rd, 11am-12 noon with funeral to follow at Born Again Church, 858 West Trinity Lane. Interment Middle TN State Veterans Cemetery, Pegram TN.