Donald Ray Turner
October 20, 1934 – January 10, 2012

Donald Ray Turner, 77, of Wilson died Tuesday.  Funeral services will be conducted 7 p.m. Friday at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.  The Rev. Lavon Phillips will officiate.  A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in Maplewood Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends Friday evening immediately following the service at the funeral home and other times at 5274 Hornes Church Rd., Wilson.

Surviving are his wife, Sandi Watson Turner; two daughters, Sue Ann Turner Whitlock and husband, Barry, and Barbara Turner Wilder all of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren, Rebbecca Johnson and husband, Linn of Johnson City, Tenn., Trish Roe and husband, Charlie of Bristol, Va., Jennifer Wilder of Austin, Texas, and Christopher Wilder and wife, Kelly of Austin, Texas; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Alice Atkinson and husband, Gary of Memphis, Tenn., and a brother, James W. Turner and wife, Tami of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Mr. Turner enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 shortly after his 17th birthday. He was one of the first men to attend Jet Engine Mechanical School and graduated second in his class. He worked on World War II fighter planes including the Air Force's newest jet airplane at the time, T-33s. During his tenure in Viet Nam from August 1966 - May, 1969 he earned numerous Air Medals and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross His citation read in part: "Sergeant Turner flew extremely hazardous missions through adverse weather conditions and through the constant threat of hostile ground fire and attack. In spite of this, he superbly accomplished these highly intricate and hazardous missions in support of free World forces combating aggression. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill, he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to WilMed Hospice, 1705 Tarboro St., Wilson, NC 27893.

Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.