Obituary of William Clement Turnley

Obituary of William Turnley William Clement Turnley Sr. was born on June 8, 1932 to Richard Turnley Sr. and Dorothy Clement Turnley Banks in Plaquemine, Louisiana. Bill accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the muddy Mississippi River. He was educated in Iberville Parish Schools and graduated from Jack Yates High School, Houston Texas in 1951. Following graduation, he began his higher education journey by accepting a choir scholarship from his beloved Dillard University. In 1953 he was initiated into the Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. While there, he was also captain of the national award winning track team. He graduated from Dillard University in the class of 1955 with a degree in Business Administration. Soon after arriving on the oaks of Fair Dillard, he met the love of his life, the late Naomi Phillips Turnley and they were united in holy matrimony on December 28, 1955. He also received a Master's in Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. He furthered his love for education and learning by obtaining additional postgraduate hours in his specialty, History and Civics at Loyola University of New Orleans. He began his military career by serving in the Army from 1955 to 1957 where he earned the rank of Specialist 3rd Class and received an Honorable Discharge from active duty. Bill had many special interest and associations: member of Beecher Memorial United Church of Christ for over 57 years, former national and local officer of the Dillard University Alumni Association, former president and founding member of the Pontchartrain Park Booster Club and a long time officer and member of the Gaylord Social & Pleasure Club. Mr. T as he was affectionately known by close friends and associates was a great inspiration to his family, co-workers, students and community. He was a man of great wisdom and principle with a signature handshake. Bill was an incredible husband, loving father, grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor. He was an avid New Orleans Saints fan and enjoyed playing golf and traveling with his family and friends. Bill retired as a dedicated educator after serving for over 27 years in Orleans Parish (Rivers Fredrick & Phillips Junior High) and Jefferson Parish (Fairchild Junior High). He worked in the hospitality industry serving at the Royal Sonesta, Royal Orleans, Jung and La Pavillion Hotels. He also worked in the insurance industry and owned several small businesses. Bill and his wife Naomi relocated to Lancaster, Texas in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. He attended Hamilton Park United Methodist Church and St. Luke Community United Methodist Church where he remained a supportive affiliate member until his death. On October 15, 2014, God in his infinite wisdom called William Clement Turnley Sr. to his heavenly reward. He fulfilled God's purpose for his life and his family rejoices with thanksgiving that he can now rest easy and receive the great reward promised to him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Turnley Sr. and Dorothy Turnley Banks (Willie Banks) and his wife Naomi Phillips Turnley. He leaves to cherish his memory, loving children, William C. Turnley Jr. (Sharon) and Velda M. Turnley. His treasured grandchildren, Breanna and Charleston Turnley. Sister-in-Laws Jean Phillips (New Orleans), Ruth Freeman (Atlanta) and Joyce Turnley (Baton Rouge). Nieces, Cecilia (Cely) Pedesclaux, Tamara Robinson (Leon), Venita Freeman and Sharon Turner Turnley (Godfrey). Nephews, Richard Turnley III (Kathy) and Kirby Freeman III. Special Cousin, James King (Loretta), Godchildren, Connie and James Seymour, Ann Taplin, and a host of relatives and friends.