Billy Gene Turner, Jr.

Billy Gene Turner, Jr.  often said “If I die tomorrow, I’ll be with the Lord. If I live tomorrow, the Lord will be with me.” He lived over 67 years with the Lord by his side and on Saturday, August 15, 2026, he went to be with his Lord. 

A simple man, he was happiest at home but also enjoyed sitting around catching up with friends while strumming on his guitar. He loved to spin a good story and would captivate any audience he could find with a retelling of a past adventure. Billy loved to read, to study, and to learn new things and made sure others did as well. No conversation was ever complete without the question “Did you know….?” Before sharing some little-known fact that you, in fact, did not know.

Work was a big part of his entire life, most of it as a roofing contractor. For the family company, for himself, and for a major company servicing local and state buildings across Alabama.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents Rev. Bill and Barbara Turner and by his grandson Dathan.

He had a big heart and mostly lived a small life. One that, unfortunately, as the years passed, was made smaller by illness. But he believed he was leaving behind the ones who would live in ways that would change the world. His daughter Traci and her husband Brian (Bryant) and his daughter Caitlin and her husband Josh (Young) all work hard, serve their community, love big, and extend that love to those who need it most. 
And, most importantly, his treasured grandchildren Kobe Bryant and Kade Bryant. He called them his “dreamers and doers”. He loved to tell about where they live or what they are doing. Billy always believed “those babies” would be greater than he was and never heard their names without saying “Man, I love that kid.”. 

He is also survived by his sister Vicki Turner and his brothers Ricky Turner and Kevin (Tammie) Turner. They were a group of siblings, like all siblings, who held each other up, let each other down, solved problems together, and caused problems together. And they always loved each other. No matter what. 
  Many nieces, nephews, friends, family, and friends who were like family also survive. 

Per his request, no formal services will be held at this time. Friends and family can watch for an informal coming together to remember and honor him soon. If you’d like to honor him on your own, strum a guitar or sing along to the radio in your car- be sure to tap out the beat on the steering wheel. Drink a Diet Sun-Drop or Green Tea. If you prefer a monetary donation, please consider his favorite charities St. Jude Children’s Hospital and NAMI Nashville. 

Billy had a beautiful singing voice and played the guitar masterfully. One of his favorite songs to perform was “Love, Me” by Collin Raye. The lyrics are: “If you get there before I do, don’t give up on me. I’ll meet you when my chores are through. I don’t know how long I’ll be…”
And today we finish that line for him: “Between now and then, ‘til I see you again, I’ll be loving you. Love, me.”