Charles L. Turner

August 11, 1945 - December 6, 2020

Charles L. Turner (Charlie), Age 75, of Knoxville, TN, passed away, December 6, 2020 at Parkwest Hospital surrounded by those he loved the most. Charlie was a loving husband, dedicated father and grandfather, and loyal friend. Growing up in Maryville, TN and a graduate of Lanier High School, Charlie joined the United States Air Force for 6 years where he served in Vietnam. His love for his country did not stop there, he joined the reserves with the 134th Air Refueling Wing unit of the Tennessee Air National Guard and retired after 31 years as Senior Master Sergeant. During this period, he so bravely served in the Invasion of Panama, Desert Storm, Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraq War. Charlie enjoyed traveling and going on adventures with his wife of 42 years, Glenda. They built a wonderful life together in Farragut, TN and have one daughter, Lauren and her husband Blake and granddaughter Emma Blake. Charlie spent his professional career starting as a mechanic with K-25 in Oak Ridge and many years in sales of industrial air compressor equipment in the private sector. His favorite time was spent with his family and friends on Fort Loudon Lake. Anyone that knew Charlie, knew they could always count on him to be there for anything they needed. He was known for a great sense of humor and made sure everyone around him was having a great time. Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Josie Turner. Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hobert and Sara Kelly. He is survived by his loving wife, Glenda Turner, daughter Lauren King and her husband Blake and granddaughter Emma Blake of Farragut, TN. Sisters Elwanda (Carl) Hickman and Ann (Buddy) Allen both of Maryville, TN and many nieces and nephews. The family will be having a socially distanced outdoor graveside service with military honors at Grandview Pavilion, 2316 Graves Road, Maryville, TN 37803 on Saturday, December 12th at 1:00 PM. Pastor Steve Peek of First Baptist Concord will be officiating the service with David Kent delivering the Eulogy. We ask that those attending wear a mask. Pallbearers will be Wayne Brown, Terry Callahan, Rick Clayton, Ken Klein, Brian MacDonald, Jason Taylor and Robert West. We would like to thank all of the wonderful physicians, nurses and staff at Parkwest Hospital for their generous care and support of Charlie. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, Jill Rollins, Memorial Chair, 2330 Chesterfield Drive, Maryville, TN 37803, in honor of Charles L. Turner. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.