Fred Turner Jr.

Fred Turner, Jr., affectionately known as “Freddie B”, was born on September 27, 1935, in Macon, Mississippi, to the union of Fred Turner, Sr. and Louise Moore. He was the eldest of eight children, four boys and four girls. At an early age, Fred accepted Christ into his life and was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church. He attended Macon Colored High School, where he not only excelled academically but also shined on the football and baseball fields. It was during these formative years that he met the love of his life, Nora Lee Cavette. The two shared a beautiful and enduring love story, marrying soon after graduation in 1954. They welcomed their daughter, Barbara, shortly thereafter, and completed their family two years later with the birth of their son, Kerry Anthony. Fred was hardworking and dedicated his life to providing for his family. He began working at a young age in a local grocery store in Macon, Mississippi. After graduating high school, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri. While in St. Louis, he held various jobs, including a stint as an entrepreneur, owning both a service station and a taxi business. He made history in St. Louis, Missouri as one of the first Black men to become a meat cutter at Kroger. He soon became the first Black manager of St. Louis’ Kroger stores. Fred’s work ethic and integrity earned him several administrative roles throughout his career with Kroger. In 1986, Fred and Nora suffered the heartbreaking loss of their son, Kerry. In search of healing, Fred accepted a new role in Atlanta, Georgia, where they began a new chapter. He continued working as a regional manager for Kroger and, after retirement, remained active by serving as a teacher’s assistant and school bus driver. Family was Fred’s greatest joy. He was a devoted husband of 71 years, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He made every effort to be present for holidays, sporting events, dance recitals, and other family milestones, often traveling to St. Louis or other cities to be there in person. He took great pride in raising his great-granddaughter and was an active participant in her life, even earning the title of “Cheerleader Grandfather of the Year”. Fred was deeply involved in his community and church. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, The Maconites, The St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Ann’s Men’s Choir, Parent Teacher Association, multiple golf clubs and a couple’s club. He also gave back to the community in many ways. He coached CYC elementary school baseball, high school basketball and worked alongside civil rights leader Percy Green in the fight for equality. In his leisure time, Fred enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, traveling, sipping fine wine, smoking cigars, and cheering on his favorite team, the Chicago Bears. Fred Turner, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and faith. His life was a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, service and deep family bonds. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nora Turner; father, Fred Turner, Sr.; his mother, Louise Turner; his son, Kerry Anthony Turner; his brothers, Benjamin Turner, Jimmy Lee Turner, Chester Turner; and his sister, Annie Louise Murray. He leaves behind: his daughter ~ Barbara Turner-Bryant (Robert); grandchildren ~ Anthony Daniels (Montoya), Aaron Bryant (Courtney) and Ashlen Southerland (Marcus); seven great-grandchildren ~ Mariah Daniels, Alleona Haynes, Evan Haynes, Riyan Bryant, A’in Broom, Marlee Southerland and Marcus Southerland, Jr.; three sisters ~ Laura Mae Richardson, Annie Pearl Turner and Hazel Harris; and host of nieces, nephews, Fred Turner PROCESSIONAL PRAYER MUSIC SELECTION READING OF SCRIPTURE OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT TRIBUTE AND EXPRESSIONS MUSIC SELECTION LIFE REFLECTIONS DANCE EULOGY RECESSIONAL 5239 CALVARY CEMETERY WILLIE MURRAY ASHLEN SOUTHERLAND, MARIAH DANIELS AND RIYAN BRYANT PSALM 30: 4-5, 11-12 JOHN 14:1-4 AARON BRYANT ANTHONY DANIELS (PLEASE LIMIT TO TWO MINUTES) (READ SILENTLY TO SOFT MUSIC) RIYAN BRYANT PASTOR SIMEON WILLIAMS Interment CALVARY CEMETERY AND MAUSOLEUM S T. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63115 Repast THE SPIRIT CHURCH 915 NORTHWEST PLAZA DRIVE S Dear Dad, I was truly blessed to have you as my father. You encouraged me to follow my dreams and to become the best person I could be. You didn’t just tell me to do the right thing, you showed me, every day, through your actions. I will never forget the nights you spent playing Monopoly and chess with Kerry and me, how you laughed, how you taught us strategy, and how you used those moments to bring us closer together. I’ll always cherish the stories you share about our family, the fight for civil rights, doing what’s right even when it’s hard, and, of course, your legendary high school adventures. Those stories weren’t just entertaining, they shaped how I see the world. I am especially grateful for the times you loved me enough to correct me. Your wisdom, honesty, and guidance shaped the core of who I am today. The love you poured into your grandchildren was just as strong, steady, unconditional, and full of quiet strength. I know you’re in heaven now, reunited with Mom and Kerry. There’s no more pain, no more dialysis, no more struggle. I can see you walking freely again, with your head held high, no longer confined to a bed. I imagine you out on a beautiful course, smiling and at peace, playing golf. While my heart aches with your absence, I’m comforted knowing you are with Jesus. I’ll miss you every day. But your voice, your lessons, and your love will stay with me for the rest of my life. I love you, Dad. You will always be in my heart. ~ Your Daughter, Barbara ~ family and friends who love and cherish him dearly.

Tributes

Fred Turner Jr.

September 27, 1935 - July 29, 2025