John William Turner, III, alias "Shotgun"

Hello. My name is Jeanette Turner, sister to John William Turner, III, and I'm raising money for his military memorial service. John was better known as "Shotgun," his nickname in his teens because he was fired so much!! The handle, given by our oldest brother, Charles, better known as C.E., stuck until his untimely death at the age of 62. Everyone in their circle had nicknames...Root, Hacksaw, Fast Eddie, Bobby T., Fly, Shell, and so on....My younger brother was always Johnny to me. Johnny wanted to be buried by our older brother Charles, and his young son, Chuck. After serving 20 years in the Navy for our country, Johnny wanted a military service, and God knows he deserves one.

Johnny had always looked up to C.E., wanted to follow him around, spend time with him, hang out with him and his friends. Funny how things go full circle. At Johnny's 20th-year retirement ceremony from the Navy in Jacksonville, Florida, our whole family was there, and I've never seen C.E. more proud of anyone. Our entire family was incredibly proud of his service and donation to our country.

Johnny grew up embracing anything that would lead to smiling and laughing. For most of his life, he prayed at night. Johnny loved to make people laugh and did so frequently. He was great at telling jokes, imitating voices, and making fun of his sisters!!!

Johnny loved his children so much. He really got a kick out of seeing our Mother with them. She would roll his two daughters' hair on pin curlers before bed, and we'd just laugh, and of course, Johnny would make fun. His children are Ashley, Valerie, Ellie, and Michael, and he used to tell me how much he missed and loved them and how very proud of them he was. As with most of our children, they're all scattered about, so he loved them from afar.

Johnny had the most gorgeous Golden Retriever named Zoey and he took her everywhere while he was still driving. He put a baseball cap on her and they would take off in his truck and he loved, loved that dog. You may have seen her on Facebook. He posted her often. God love her. I'm sure if he could have taken her to Heaven, he would have.

When Johnny was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I used to go see him every 2 1/2 - 3 months from Charleston to his home in Flovilla, GA. When I was there, I took him to the VA Hospital a lot and spoke to the doctor when Johnny was diagnosed. It was extremely difficult because our Stepfather, Jake had Alzheimers, my Mother had it, Sandra, our oldest sister has it and is in the late stage of it. Our sister Barbara had a rare form of dementia, so when Johnny was diagnosed, it was heartbreaking. Not only because he had it but because he didn't have a wife, or children that lived nearby, and it was Johnny for God's sake....the Baby of the family. This couldn't be happening. He's five years and one day younger than me. NO! It's just not right.

I wanted him to be that thriving young man that everytime we went somewhere, he wore his Navy flight jacket and his Navy baseball cap. God, no. Every time we saw a Veteran, he never failed to stop and thank them for their service, which usually turned into a 20 or 30-minute conversation. Johnny made the best out of it that anyone could.

Johnny loved his children. He loved his Mother. He loved Jake for being the Father he never had. He loved his sisters and brother. He loved the nieces and nephews and cousins. Most of all, Johnny loved God and his Country.

Our family greatly appreciates anything you're able to give on behalf of helping us give Johnny the military service he so deserves. And please, the next time you see a Veteran,

thank them for their service on behalf of Johnny.

Stay Out of Trees