Joy Turner

Joy Turner, loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at his home in Garland, TX.  He was 90 years old.  The world lost a true man of rare vision, drive, and compassion.  

Joy was born on November 20, 1935, in Henderson, TX, to Athens James Turner and Jennie V. Anderson.  Joy's family moved to Garland, TX, in his late teens, but his ties to East Texas were from his heart. He met his wife, Bessie Faye Alexander, and the two united in matrimony in November 1958.  From this union, three children were born, Joyce Ann, Arthur Charles, and Michael James. 

Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, he was on the golf course caddying with and for the best before he was a teenager.  Joy met opportunity with enthusiasm and the laser focus of a seasoned expert.  Devotedly, he founded his construction-oriented business in part to employ family, friends, and those ready to work, all while maintaining his local real estate portfolio.  In his spare time, Joy took respite in fishing, hunting, and caring for his farm animals.  

His big heart and quiet philanthropy focused on the betterment of the local community, having donated property, livestock for sustenance, and more in silence.  Joy was the happiest amongst friends and family, but he could not sway from his innate instinct to get things done.  He was a devoted grandfather; he and his wife adopted, raised, and cared for their first granddaughter, Kimberla Sharial. He enriched the lives of his family, broadened their horizons, and set an example of perseverance, courage, and living one's life to the fullest with the utmost principles. He was humble and prouder of his family’s and friends' accomplishments than any of his own.  To be his friend was to also be his family; he supported both and made each feel like his favorite. Joy was a go-getter, always working, but he was also a great friend, fun to be around, and made everyone laugh with his fantastic sense of humor.  He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.  

Joy was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Faye Alexander Turner; son, Arthur Charles Turner; mother, Jennie V. Reedy; father, Athens James Turner; step-father, Frank Reedy; and brothers, Ret. Sgt. Athens J. Turner, Rev. Jimmy Reedy, and Albert McCoy.  He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Ann Smith; son, Michael James Turner; granddaughter, Kimberla Sharial Turner; family, Michael Starling; and many grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joy Turner, please visit our floral store.