Fred Turner Jr.'s Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Fred?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fred?
Share a story where Fred's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fred you’ll never forget.
How did Fred make you smile?
