Douglas “Doug” R. Turner, who served as pastor of several Alabama Baptist churches during more than five decades of ministry, died July 9 after an extended illness. He was 75.
Born in the Spring Bank community near Chatom, Turner graduated as salutatorian of the Washington County High School class of 1966. He was licensed to the ministry in 1964 by his home church, Spring Bank Baptist Church, Chatom. He served as pastor of eight Alabama Baptist churches during his more than 50 years of ministry: Yellow Pine Baptist Church, Fruitdale (1966–70), Fruitdale Baptist Church (1970–72), Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Montgomery (1978–82 ), First Baptist Guin (1982–89), First Baptist Church Roanoke (1989–2003), Sweetwater Baptist Church (2003–13) and Black Creek Baptist Church (2014–17). He was associate pastor of First Baptist Church Troy from 1975 to 1978. He also served on the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
Turner earned a bachelor’s degree in religious education at William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; a master’s in religious education at New Orleans Seminary; and a doctorate in religious education from the International Bible Seminary.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Verna Taylor Turner. He is survived by his wife, Shelia; sons, Brandon Turner, Chuck Chappell and Chantlee Chappell; and 10 grandchildren.
Turner was a longtime supporter of the ministry of Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries. As a tribute, his family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made “in memory of Douglas Turner” to ABCH at 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane, Birmingham, AL 35216 or donorservices@alabamachild.org.
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