Alan Coy Turner was never in short supply of sharp-witted comebacks or keen observations about the world around him. If you had a question about almost anything, chances were he had the answer. He was extremely well-read and always eager to share what he knew. He gave the best nicknames, the best hugs and had a speaking voice that resonated with authority, love and safety. After a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer, he left our world just after 7:30 on the morning of September 20th, one week after his 76th birthday. He passed away peacefully at his home in Morristown, held close by the love and comfort of his family. In his final moments, he was surrounded by their presence and assured of how deeply he was loved.

Alan was a man of many talents and interests. Naturally athletic, he also had a wonderful talent for singing and dancing. He carried on the long family tradition of keeping comedy and biting humor a part of daily life. He would say things like, “Did you hear about that physic fella?” instead of “psychic,” just to see if you noticed. He was an avid lover of wildlife, especially wolves. If you needed to know the Latin name for almost any animal, he had you covered. He loved natural, human, ancient, and contemporary history, as well as music and film. He especially enjoyed sharing great movies and songs with friends and family, always finding something he knew each person would appreciate. He had an insatiable appetite for reading, having read countless books, including entire encyclopedia sets. Captivated by science and the cosmos, he spent countless nights sharing his knowledge of the constellations and musings about the possibilities of the universe.

He loved sports and was a lifelong fan of the Kentucky Wildcats, the Dallas Cowboys—which he followed back when they were still known as the Texans—the Boston Celtics, and the San Francisco Giants. He especially admired the remarkable abilities of basketball greats such as Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, “Pistol” Pete Maravich, as well as more recent stars such as Caitlin Clark. Having been a boxer himself, he had a great affinity for the sport. He was always eager to talk about the greats like Ali, Louis, Duran, Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson, and more.

He was a gifted craftsman with a natural aptitude for bringing his ideas to life. Whether he was making a custom knife, carving a walking stick, or creating something entirely from his imagination, he had a remarkable ability to turn his vision into something real and lasting. Anyone who spent more than a few minutes with him was likely to leave with one of his creations. He loved making things for people and even more so, he loved giving them away. In more recent years, if he didn’t have one of his creations on hand, he would find something else special to send you home with. Sometimes that something special was simply a piece of chocolate or a piece of individually wrapped Bazooka bubble gum. Giving was an inherent part of who he was, and he took great joy in making others feel remembered and cared for.

Alan was a proud native of Middlesboro, Kentucky, where he was born in 1950 and spent what he often described as “some of the best years” of his life. He often spoke fondly of growing up there, recalling days spent playing with friends and family around Yellow Creek, or throughout the streets of Middlesboro, as well as the many people and experiences that helped shape the person he became. Those memories stayed with him and remained close to his heart throughout his life. After his parents divorced, the family moved frequently, eventually spending time in Michigan. There, he attended several different schools before graduating from Beecher High School in Flint in 1968.

While living in Michigan, he was an accomplished boxer, competing in the Golden Gloves and earning recognition in the Flint Journal on several occasions. He worked for General Motors for a period before relocating to Morristown, Tennessee. He began his career working for ENKA, which later became BASF. He remained with the company for several decades, until the plant eventually laid off much of its longtime staff. During his tenure at BASF he earned a diploma from the North American School of Conservation, and after BASF, he became a certified welder.

In his later years, he faced several healthcare challenges, but he always showed up for the fight. Comedy, love, music, and a stubborn strength carried him through. He and his son, Neil, often quoted films like I Love You to Death and The Big Lebowski to each other, using humor to cut through the tension and fear: “That’s just the stress talking, man,” “I like your style, Dude,” “I’ll be there, man,” and “How hard can it be?”— to name a few. There was never a shortage of one-liners to fit whatever situation arose.

Over time, his healthcare team became an extension of his family. He came to understand that he was surrounded by sincere love, care, and support, and that helped carry him all the way to the end. The family extends its deepest gratitude to all of his healthcare providers, especially Dr. Rogers and her team at Tennessee Oncology, Dr. Michael Tan (a good man, and thorough), and the entire staff at Morristown Pharmacy. We would also like to offer a special thank you to Jared and Jason from Gentiva for their compassionate care and support.

Alan was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, Alfred Turner and Inez Barnard; his precious daughter, Natalie Turner; his brothers, Gillis and Mark Turner; his sister, Cindy Lawson; his uncles, William “Buck” Partin and Kyle Woods; and many other dear relatives who had gone before him.

Alan is survived by his deeply devoted and adoring sons, Neil and Aaron Turner; daughter-in-law, Greta Sims; former wife, Marilyn Turner, who remained by his side and helped his sons care for him throughout his final chapter; son, Travis Turner; grandson, Caden Turner; sister, Teresa Byrd; brothers, Anthony, Brad, and Brian Barnard, and David Turner; his beloved aunt, Thelma Epps; and his many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to offer special recognition and heartfelt thanks to our cousin, Lisa Brewer, for her love and unwavering dedication, as well as to the Hill family—Janet, BB, and Nathan Hill, Marilyn’s relatives, Angel Arrington and Adam Mullins. The kindness, care, and support of all of them meant so much to Alan and to our family.

Alan, known to some as A.C. or Almore, was a brother, an uncle, a friend, and most proudly, a grandfather and father. He will be deeply missed and eternally loved by those who knew him best. In our grief, we find comfort in knowing he is now with his Maker, reunited with family, and finally free from pain. A memorial service will take place at Farrar Funeral Home, 1806 Main St, White Pine, TN 37890, on Friday, October 2nd. Friends and family are invited to arrive at 5:00 PM for visitation; the service will begin at 6:00 PM.

Farrar Funeral Home of White Pine is honored to serve the Turner family.