Charles Thomas Turner
Charles Thomas Turner, 86, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at his residence in Harbor City, California.
He was born to Harry and Mamie (Nelson) Turner on Oct. 17, 1938, in Chattanooga, and was a resident of Harbor City, Ca. for nearly 55 years.
After graduating Chattanooga’s Howard High School in 1956, Charles enlisted and served eight years in the United States Air Force where his assignments took him to Alaska, Texas, Mississippi, Las Vegas and Italy.
Upon separating from the Air Force, Charles moved to the state of California. His first job in California was with TRW Corporation’s Apollo 11 Lunar Module staff, allowing him to, quietly; help put the first man on the moon. Charles briefly worked for Hughes Communications before moving to the City of Los Angeles as a Communications Electrician. Charles also worked for the L.A. Unified School District as an auditor, the Internal Revenue Service as a field agent and finally the Department of Water and Power where he was an instructor, trainer and supervisor in its Information Technology Services Business Unit.
Charles continued his education by earning his Associate’s degree from Los Angeles City College, two bachelor of science degrees in Business Administration majoring in Finance-Real Estate, Accounting, and a Master’s degree with a major in Vocational Education all from California State University, Long Beach. He was also a credentialed Community College Instructor at Pasadena City College.
Charles liked to swim, walk, and attend jazz and blues concerts, play tennis, basketball and pool.
However busy his schedule, he always took time to listen to you.
His parents, Harry W. Turner Sr., Mamie Turner; and his brother, Harry W. Turner Jr. predeceased him.
Charles is survived by his wife, Curlean (Washington) Turner; son, James (Susan) of Long Beach CA, son, Jeffrey of Harbor City, CA, and son, Gregory (Melissa) of Apple Valley, CA; brother, Ruben (Bernadine) of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jason (Heenle), Kathleen (Gordon) Turner-Purves, Charles, and Victoria; great-grandchildren, Jemina and Jarrin. Charles is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including his dear friend, Abraham (Doretha) Yates of Ocala, FL, who he met while serving in the Air Force.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 9 a.m. in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.