Joseph Urbane Turner, age 96, of Forest City, NC passed away February 3, 2022 after a brief illness.

He was born July 19, 1925 in Green Creek community of Polk County to parents Thomas Jessie Turner and Gertrude Jolley Turner.

Joe (Urbane) graduated from Green Creek High School in 1943 and volunteered for the Navy upon turning 18.  He served in the Pacific on the USS Jason as a navigator and volunteered for a stint on the USS Yorktown near the end of WWII.  While serving on the Jason, Joe was awarded an associate college degree upon successful completion of a correspondence course. He served an additional 6 months assisting in Korea and China after the war's end.

After his discharge, he married the love of his life, Dora Glenn Harrill on May 31, 1947.  They remained happily married until her death in 2005.  Joe spent a 35 year career in textiles with the majority spent at Stonecutter and Spindale Mills.  After retiring as a weave room superintendent, he switched to a second career as a newspaper deliverer for the Daily Courier until age 70. This afternoon job allowed Joe time to pursue gardening and other activities.

A great joy in his life was serving the Lord and His people at Adaville Baptist Church from 1947 through singing tenor in the choir, teaching Sunday School, visitation and as a deacon. Joe was the oldest member of Adaville at the time of his death.

Joe was preceded in death by parents Tom and Gertrude; sisters Durell Scruggs, Ersell Strange, Wilma Bryant, Joann Cecil; and brother Paul. Joseph is survived by his son Edwin (Teresa) of Greensboro, NC; brother Charles (Louise); sister Joyce Evington; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Special thanks from Edwin and Teresa to the caring staff at Rutherford Regional Medical Center ER and ICU; Ollie Northey & family; special friend Cornelia Prince & family; and original caregiver Brenda Green. Much gratitude to caregivers  Joyce (Juanita) Champion, her daughter Anitra Robbins and Peggy Bumgarner.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 7, 2022 at Adaville Baptist Church with Reverend Jeff Pate officiating.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. till 2:00 P.M. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Joe with a memorial donation to Adaville Baptist Church, 805 Oakland Road; Spindale, NC 28160. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.