[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF TOM TURNER

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                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 2010

  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Tom 
Turner, a man who devoted his life in service to the Memphis community. 
He was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1924, and graduated from Georgia 
Institute of Technology, after which he served his country as a 
Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Afterwards, 
he moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he worked as the Division Manager 
for External Affairs at Buckeye Cellulose Technology for forty years.
  Tom Turner was active in a multitude of local organizations during 
his career and in retirement. He was Chairman of the Boards of 
Agricenter International, the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Junior 
Achievement, and Goodwill Industries. In addition, Mr. Turner served as 
Vice Chairman of the Boards of the Airport Authority and Christian 
Brothers University. He was an active participant with Le Moyne Owen 
College, MIFA and was a big fundraiser for the United Way and the 
Salvation Army. He was active in the Rotary Club, Memphis in May, 
Memphis partners and the Tennessee Independent College Fund. Mr. Turner 
was an active member of his Church, Wesleyan Hills United Methodist, 
where he was Chairman of the administrative board and taught Sunday 
School.
  This is only a partial list of Mr. Turner's involvement in the 
Memphis community. He was truly a tireless proponent of civic 
involvement. The Volunteer Center of Memphis awarded him the Golden 
Rule Award as the ``Top Volunteer in Memphis.'' Christian Brothers 
University also awarded him the Maurelian Medal for ``exceptional 
service to the university and to the wider community.'' Thomas Turner's 
impact was deeply felt in the Memphis Community and his absence will 
undoubtedly be deeply felt.
  Tom Turner passed away on March 27, 2010, at the age of 85. He is 
survived by his wife of 60 years, Doris Turner, two daughters, Terri 
Panitz and Lisa Turner and partner Rob Sangster, and five 
grandchildren. Memphis mourns the loss of Mr. Turner who was tirelessly 
involved in his community's growth. His life was a reminder of just how 
much one person can accomplish while serving the community.

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