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Willie Ned Turner, of New Canton, passed away on March 26, at the age of 85. After years of declining health, he passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side.

He was born in Gosport, Alabama on March 18, 1937 to father Joe Turner and mother Willie Pritchett Turner. Willie was one of nine children. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter; parents; his brothers, Jimmy, Earl and Jerry Turner and sisters, Betty Gray, Mary Williamson and Mae Jones.

Willie served 10 years in the United States Navy and then later retired from Bass Crane Service.

He loved his family fiercely. Anywhere he went, he loved to tell them about his grandbabies. He was an avid hunter and fisherman; and he never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation about Alabama football. Roll Tide!

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Pat Turner; daughter, Ann Marie Jones (Tracy); grandchildren Abby Mills (Alex), Chad Jones and Allie Ownby and great grandchildren, Bennett and Atlas Mills. He is also survived by a brother and sister, Gray Turner and Mattie Byrd, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 1, at 3 p.m., in the Buckingham Baptist Church. Family will receive friends one hour prior starting at 2 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow service at the church cemetery.

Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com.