Obituaries

William Edward Turner, 65, passed away on May 27, 2026. Services will be Thursday, June 11, 2026 beginning with visitation at 11 am and funeral service to follow at 1 pm at New Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive.

William “Big Man” Turner was born March 21,1961 to Leola Turner, and raised by his stepdad, Ephriam Burrus. William graduated from Westport High School where he played in the band and was on the basketball team. He attended Technical School for drafting for 2 years. William was the glue that held the family together with gatherings at his home and was always the first to offer to cook for the holidays, birthday parties, New Year parties, with lots of pictures and videos of past and present times. Also included childhood elementary friends he still had throughout his life. He was an event planner and a known DJ his hook name was “Studio 55” and also known as Benny Hill in the Larkwood neighborhood.

He worked in the Auto industry for years and was a well-known carpenter with skills of remodeling, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. William could do anything with his hands and tools and does a great job. Everyone that knew him valued his honesty and generous spirit. William was a father, a brother, an uncle, a good friend, and host to many. Most importantly a good person. May he “Rest in Peace”.

William is preceded in death by two brothers, Curtis and Charles Ray. He leaves to mourn his passing his two sons William and Jonathan Woods; stepdaughter, Latisha; sister, Teresa Dickerson; brother, Johnny Turner (Rhonda) and Cecil Turner, (Marie), seven grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews and cousins.