Bishop Harvey Lee Turner, Sr.
Bishop Harvey Lee Turner, Sr., 83, passed away on March 19, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Born on Dec. 6, 1941, in Big Stone Gap, Va., Harvey was raised in a home that was deeply rooted in faith. As the son of a pastor, he dedicated his life to serving the Lord and ministering to others.
For 25 years, Harvey pastored for the Church of God (Cleveland) in Tennessee. His passion for evangelism led him to serve as Tennessee’s Evangelism Director for five years. He later took on greater responsibilities within the COG as the State Overseer for the states of Alaska, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Western North Carolina. His influence extended beyond state lines when he served as the International Multicultural Director for the COG. He was later a World Missions representative. Through these roles, he worked tirelessly to spread the gospel and foster unity among diverse communities.
Harvey was known not only for his deep, raspy voice, but for his kind and soft soul. He was a humble man who treated everyone with respect and compassion. His love for people was evident in every interaction, and his wisdom provided comfort and encouragement to those who sought counsel. Above all, he valued his relationship with Christ and lived each day as a testament to his faith.
When he wasn’t in the pulpit himself, Harvey enjoyed golfing with friends and listening to sermons by his favorite preacher - his son, Harvey Jr. A lover of classic western films, he could often be found enjoying one alongside a slice of yellow cake with chocolate icing. Music was another source of joy for him, one of his favorite songs was “I Saw The Light,” which reflected both his faith and the way his lived his life - with unwavering devotion and hope.
Harvey is survived by his son Harvey Lee Turner Jr., daughter in law Kelley Turner, grandson Dillon Turner and wife Kristen Turner, granddaughter Sara Turner, great grandson Luke Turner; sister Jan Shoemate and husband Pelham Shoemate; nieces Angie, Lisa, Teresa, Kim, and Leeann; and nephews Jimmy and John.
He is reunited in heaven with his wife Wanda Turner, son Scott Turner, parents Hezekiah and Gladys Turner; and brother Doug Turner.
Harvey’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn him, while inspiring them to carry forward the love and faith that defined his life.
The Turner family will receive friends on Monday, March 24, from 12-2 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson.
Funeral services will be in the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. officiated by Rev. Randall Parris, Church of God (Cleveland, Tn.) Global Missionary, Rev. Jonathon Zeigler, Pastor, National Church of God (Washington DC), and Dr. John Childers, Church of God Director of Global Communications.
Interment to follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.