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Obituary for William Dale Turner
William Dale Turner- Born February 24, 1925, passed February 2, 2014
Curry County lost one of its Native Sons. William D. Turner (Bill), who loved his community of Gold Beach. He loved to talk about the early days of the town, and the changes he saw throughout time. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned home and married Doris Carpenter of Carpenterville on July 6, 1946. They were always together doing the things they loved for a long 67 years of marriage such as square dancing, camping and traveling, and socializing with their many friends. Bill loved to attend sporting events and fish on the Rogue River. He raised his family by working in the timber industry for many years. He started his own log truck business, and was so very proud of his driving record.
After retiring from the trucking business, he became a Standard Oil distributor in Gold Beach for about 20 years. He always made sure everyone had full fuel tanks for the start of the work week. He was quite the salesman, and could talk you into almost anything. He was also a salesman for Texas Refinery Corporation for 15 years.
After retiring from Standard Oil, he cut firewood and kindling from his Bellview property near Cape Sebastian He always had a chainsaw in one hand and an axe in the other. He viewed wood cutting as his livelihood, although it was more about staying busy than finding a retirement rocking chair. For an 88 year old man, it was easy to break into a hard sweat, while trying to keep up with him. He was a working fool!
He loved being around people and telling stories, his favorite past time. He earned many community volunteer awards by being involved with Meals on Wheels, Nesika Beach Waterboard, Watershed Council and Neighborhood Watch. He loved to apply past values with present day practices. He was always concerned about the timber not being utilized from the trees, and the gravel not being used from the Rogue River. He loved to fish, and really believed in multiple-use. He wanted the forest to be managed with a balanced approach. He even gave it a shot in the political world by running for County Commissioner. He lost although loved campaigning and stumping for support.
Bill is survived by wife Doris, residing at her home in Nesika Beach, sons Bob and wife Debbie Turner from Philomath, OR, and Jim and wife Deb Turner from Gold Beach, grandchildren Beth and husband Cliff Bennett from Willamina, OR, Jimmer and wife Genny Turner of Gold Beach, Kyle and wife Jean Turner from Corvallis, OR, and Shanna and husband Shawn Allen, from Albany, OR. Bill had 10 great grandchildren, one preceding in his death, Hope Bennett. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Belle Daniels, and Jasper Turner, and his sister, Betty Howard.
Those wishing to make a contribution in his name can be made to Gold Beach High School Wrestling, 29516, Ellensburg, Ave, Gold Beach, OR 97444.
Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
