Douglas Rayford Turner

Burial and Remembrance Gathering will take place on May 13th.

Douglas Rayford Turner, 50, was born on July 8th, 1972 to Boyd DeWayne and Beulah (Speaks) Wilson.

His mother remarried and, at the age of five years, he was adopted by stepfather, Kenneth “Paw” Deed Turner. After fighting over nine years of debilitating health conditions, Doug passed from this life on January 18, 2023 at Hospice of Lake Cumberland surrounded by his loving wife, children and close friends.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sister, Wayna Raye Wilson and nephew, TJ Jasper. Doug is survived by his wife, Atalie Steward Turner, his children: Brian Yonker, Phillip Riley, Patience Turner, Paige Turner and Elijah Steward, seven grandchildren and twins on the way, two sisters, Darla (Bryan) Blalock and Ila (John) Brooks and many nieces and nephews. Doug also leaves behind two loving fur companions that never left his side, Sassy and Cali.

Doug excelled at many occupations including bouncer, ice-cream man, cabdriver, and lastly, produce and flower man. Therefore, he befriended many. Online gaming was a source of enjoyment that created friendships around the world. Every spring you could find Doug scanning roadsides and walking creek beds looking for the coveted dryland fish. He also enjoyed fishing and the outdoors.

His wife, Atalie, was the love of Doug’s life and, even as his health declined, he would find creative ways to provide for his family. They enjoyed mushroom hunting, swimming in the creek, drive-in movies and playing online games together. Having friends and family over for cookouts was something they especially loved to do. Doug was a big man, with a big heart, who loved and was loved deeply.

Doug raised five children: Brian, Phillip, Patience, Paige and Eli. He was a father figure to many more. His love came from his heart, not his DNA. He was great at giving helpful life guidance and supported his children’s interests. He encouraged them to strive for more in life. Doug loved people and people loved him. He never met a stranger and, even if he had only met you once, he would remember you years later. He was known for his sense of humor and you could see the mischief rising when he was about to say or do something humorous.

His family wishes to give special thanks to: close friends of the family Angie, Kathy and Bob, Bret, Mythcah, and, to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, especially to Michelle, Robyn, Chaplain Tim and Tammy, as they were pivotal in helping him with options and hard decisions in his final months. One of those decisions was Doug naming the cemetery where he is to be buried, “Shyt Happens”.

Southern Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of his cremation. Burial and Remembrance Gathering will take place on May 13th, specific details TBD.

In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Doug’s last wishes will be accepted through https://gofund.me/8f6ba7c8