William was a handyman throughout all of his life, often doing some form of home construction with his brother, Robert. William was a proud veteran, serving in the United Stated Army for 36 years, from June 1974 to January 2010 before retiring at rank Sergeant First Class. William completed his basic training and AIT at Ft. Polk, LA., and was in a Four Duce (4.2) Mortar Platoon as ammo bearer, assistant gunner, then gunner, FDC (Fire Direction Center) and FO (Forward Observer.) He worked for the National Guard in Atoka before joining the US Army in Oct. 1977. He was later sent to Schweinfurt, Germany, to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division under Gen. Alexander Haig and Henry Kissinger. He served under eight presidents, starting off in a Mortar Platoon, a FO for artillery, and a 1st Sergeant Driver.

William was discharged in 1979, stayed out for a year, and re-enlisted in the National Guard for the next three years. He was a Squad Leader in the mortar platoon and FDC.

In 1993, Turner was assigned to the 95th Division in Durant, Okla., where he worked until they closed, then went to Shawnee, and then to Oklahoma City with the 95th, training NCO. He conducted numerous trainings/instructions throughout the U.S. until retiring on Dec. 7, 2010, with the rank of E7. William’s favorite duty station was in Germany where he enjoyed the food, people, transportation system, and the language. He earned awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Award, 9 RComs, 9 Army Achievement Medals, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Forces Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Operation Enduring Freedom Medal, and other citations and certificates of appreciation.

After retirement, William began employment with Choctaw Nation, working in fleet before promoting to assistant grounds manager, then promoting to manager.

William was also a proud member of the Choctaw Nation as he was nominated for Choctaw Nation’s Veteran of the Month in August 2024 and was later nominated as the Outstanding Elder of the Year for District 10 in September 2024. William often participated in Elder Luncheons at the Choctaw Community Center to maintain his cultural roots and to interact with his fellow tribal members.

Most of all, William was a proud father and grandfather, as he took pride in his daughters, their children and their accomplishments. William was known to drive to California and Oregon to visit with his oldest daughter and his grandchildren and loved receiving pictures of all of them through all stages of life. He enjoyed taking his older grandchildren in Atoka to the movies and to the lake often, and had a special bond with his oldest grandson, Jaxton.

William is survived by his Daughters Michelle Turner of Bend, Oregon and Sarah Turner of Atoka, Oklahoma. Grandchildren Daniel Farr, Abigail Farr, Joseph Palmer, Elijah Palmer, Kiara Camarena. From Atoka: Adelaide Smith, Jaxton Garside and Mason Nelson. Great-granddaughter Jolisa Chisholm. Brother-Robert Turner of Atoka, Sister-Susie Kilpatrick and husband Ricky of Tom Bean. Special friends JoLisa O’Day & Kyle Longinotti.

William is preceded in death by parents Ruth & Elmer Turner; Brothers David Turner & Dean Turner.

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DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Friday, August 14th, 2026

PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma

OFFICIATING: Bro. Joey Lansdale

INTERMENT: Green Meadows Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma

CASKETBEARERS: Kyle Longinotti, Mike Goodwin, Daryl Mulkey, Isaac Muse, Robert Turner, Jaxton Garside, Blaine Nelson

FAMILY NIGHT WILL BE THURSDAY FROM 6:00-8:00 PM

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

BROWN’S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK