March 14, 1934 - February 28, 2018

Robert Lee Turner, 83, of Benton passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2018. He was born March 14, 1934 in Benton to the late Loyd and Florence Turner. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Robert (Jane) Turner Jr.; brother, Lester Turner; sisters, May Ellen Turner and Flo Ella (Gene) House; and grandson, James Mae Crutheras.

Robert Turner was a good man, a loving father, and the most devoted husband any woman could have wanted. He and Mary Lee spent just over 64 years together, raised three children, and always tried to be good people.

Robert was raised by parents who believed in working hard and takin care of their family. He had an older brother, Lester, who he adored and was so proud of for being in World War II, tramping all over Europe and Alaska and trying to protect his country. Flo Ella was older by a few years, and he thought she was the most beautiful sister in the world. He lost another sister, May Ellen, as a child and always regretted not being able to know her.

For over 65 years he made beautiful things of wood. Robert was a premier wood handler, furniture refinisher, and if you could describe a piece, he could build it to your satisfaction. He also spent many years caring for the furniture at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion and also built custom pieces for Governor Winthrop Rockefeller in the 60s and 70s. Those pieces are now at the Rockefeller home on Petit Jean. Most of his adult life was spent working in his own furniture repair shop with Mary Lee by his side, or at Strawn's Furniture, Rye Wholesale Furniture, and Nichols Furniture, all in Little Rock. No more detail-oriented person could be found when it came to making an old ratty chunk of wood come to life as a beautiful piece of furniture or decoration. An old upright piano became a lovely console for his son and daughter-in-law, his daughter has an heirloom-quality desk that he refinished, and his great-grandson, Jacob, who has spent the past six summers visiting his great-grandparents, has a treasured wooden tool box with a laminated photo of him and his grandfather on top. He was known to be a prankster at all times, pulling tricks on anyone who let down his or her guard. In later years, Sonny Bradshaw was his favorite target, though we were all fair game over time.

Robert worked two and three jobs at a time for many years to provide for his family and save for his and Mary Lee's retirement years. Unfortunately, illness sidetracked those plans, but he retired in 2004 to care for his beloved wife and they have spent most of the past 14 years side by side. In 2014 many family members gathered at one of their favorite restaurants, Dixie Café, to help celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Dozens of other friends and relatives sent lovely cards which have been treasured mementoes since then. Their 64th anniversary was spent together quietly at Southern Trace Rehab facility.

In the past few weeks, Robert spent most of his remaining time in the SICU Unit at the Little Rock Veteran's Hospital and his final day in the Palliative care Unit upstairs. He received kind, attentive care from all the medical personnel and chaplains' staff. We also want to remember the staff at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, in Little Rock for their kind and careful attention. One note, too, is that his son-in-law, George, has been by his side for almost six years, taking him to dozens of appointments, lifting him when he fell, and providing personal care whenever needed over the years. His sister-in-law, Mary, spent many hours sitting at Mary Lee's nursing home to offer relief for him. His niece, Cookie, was in almost daily touch checking up on him, too. And, his last visit other than immediate family was from his niece, Linda. Reverend and Mrs. Smith from Southern Trace offered spiritual friendship and the staff of Southern Trace has been kind to him the past six months. We thank everyone for their kindnesses.

Survivors include son, Michael (Sheila) Turner of Bee Branch; daughter, Patricia (George) of Benton; five grandchildren, Jason (Barbara) Bullard, Laura (Andy) Blohm, Katie Turner, Cody (Lauren) Turner, Macy Turner; three great-grandchildren, Joelle Turner, Jacob Mac Crutheras, and Harrison Blohm; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law and several sisters-in-law.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047). Interment will follow at New Rosemont Memorial Park in Benton.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., an hour prior to the service.

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