Franklin “Turney” Thompson, Chattanooga, died peacefully June 28th surrounded by loved ones. Turney was born September 24, 1956, in Kingston, Tennessee where he played baseball at Roane State Community College. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee, and a master's degree at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Turney had an accomplished career in logistics as the owner of Chattanooga Freight Bureau; later sold to Kenco Group where he worked as Senior Vice President until his retirement in 2021. He served as the Chairman of the Southern Transportation Logistics Association, President of the Chattanooga Transportation Club and on the Board of Directors for the Heritage Railroad Corporation.
Turney was an all-around athlete, avid tennis player, basketball player, and expert trash talker who mused at the camaraderie as much as the matches. He loved The Tennessee Vols, the outdoors, The Allman Brothers, St. George Island and annual trips to Citico Creek trout fishing with friends. Above all, Turney adored his family. A day boating on the Tennessee River or fishing off the dock with his grandchildren was a day well spent. He never let those kids win for the sake of winning and always made them dig worms for fishing. His success in business was driven by his desire to provide for his family, making lasting memories along the way. Turney was humble in character, soft spoken in words, and steadfast in principles. He was a true gentleman who never met a stranger.
Turney was preceded in death by his parents, Lillard Turney Thompson and Ada Frank Woody Thompson.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Rogers Thompson; son Gabriel Warne Thompson (Candice); daughter Anna Terese Thompson (Sam Mrozowski); grandchildren, Tasio Thompson, Finn Thompson, Sosie Thompson, Ada Thompson, Julius Mrozowski, Gresham Mrozowski and Turney Mrozowski; brothers Terry Thompson (Marge) and Tim Thompson (Ruth) as well as several nieces, nephews, and bountiful extended family.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 5th at The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul 214 E. 8th Street, Chattanooga, TN at 11:00 am. Visitation, food and folly will follow at The Read House, 107 W. Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, Turney requested donations be made on his behalf to Médicos Mission Fund 1148 E. 23rd Street Chattanooga, TN 37408.