George Turner Obituary

George Ronald "Ron" Turner, a resident of Flora Vista NM for nearly 50 years, passed at the Turners' winter vacation home in Arizona City, AZ on December 6, 2024, using up the last of his "9 lives." Having thoroughly enjoyed the company of his dear Quail Run family this Fall, he was fortunate enough to pass quickly and peacefully, which was “his way”.

 Ron was born in Madison, TN on October 1, 1937 moving to Los Alamos, NM (the Atomic City) at the age of 10. Following his fun-filled and adventurous school years Ron married his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Pat) Eaton, in 1957. Both Ron and Pat worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and eventually welcomed two children, Kelly and Mark, into their lives.

 In 1960 Ron started an electrical apprenticeship with the Zia Company and became a Journeyman Wireman associated with IBEW Local Union 611. The family left Los Alamos in 1969 for Ron to work in various electrical generating stations, refineries, and smelters around the US, returning to New Mexico in 1975.

 Ron enjoyed many hobbies and adventures including hunting, fishing, dirt bike racing, team roping, trap shooting, and golf. He loved the history of the Old West, old western movies, and developed a special interest in old guns and rifles. He remained an avid gun collector and trader throughout his lifetime.

 Ron was known by friends and family to be one of the most fun, good-humored, sharp witted and family-loving men around. He regularly bestowed clever and sometimes hilarious nicknames on friends, acquaintances and family members, and he was sometimes known as "Ol Gringo" himself. Ron was undoubtedly a character, a gifted story-teller, and some might say larger than life.

 Ron was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dee Turner and brother, John "JT" (Darrel) Turner. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Pat; daughter Kelly (Corey) Townsend of Bosque Farms, NM; son Mark of Houston, TX; granddaughters Carson (Derek) Roland and Cameron (Sean) Townsend; great-grandchildren Callahan and Reese Roland; and nieces Sarah (Mary) Davis-Turner and Maureen (Dustin) DeNio.

 A family service will be held when Ron's cremains are interred at the Aztec Cemetery.