Rev. Billy C. Turner, 86, went to be with Jesus on April 14, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Julie (McIntosh) Turner, and his two sons - Bobby and Charlie.
He is survived by his ten grandkids, numerous great-grandkids, and two beautiful daughters-in-law – Karen and Marie.
Many knew Billy by different names, including husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother, son, pastor, bishop, friend, leader, and reverend.
Billy was a hardworking man. To know Billy meant you knew he was born in the hills of West Virginia, near the town of Hinton. Never shy or ashamed of his origins, he routinely recounted his childhood experiences about the state of West Virginia; he was a self-professed hillbilly.
In closing, around his late teenage years, he moved to the state of Ohio and eventually met a pretty young lady who captured his heart and kept ole “Bill” in line. During this stage of his life, he settled down, got married, and had two boys. Additionally, Billy gave his heart to Jesus in February of 1958 and eventually felt “the call” into ministry. Billy never forgot the moment “he saw the light” of Jesus; he routinely told the story of when he forever embraced Jesus and was delivered of alcoholism.
In closing, Billy was a true family man. He did everything he could for his family, whether it be a construction project, helping them financially, or praying diligently for them. As a husband, he was committed, providing, loving, and “conversational” (lol); as a dad, he raised two fine men who were family-oriented and preachers of the gospel. As a grandpa, he was goofy, onery, stern, gentle, strong, and everything in between.
In closing, Billy pastored a few churches along the way. For about 20 years, he pastored in Carey, Ohio. The church (Lighthouse PCG) is now pastored by his grandson, Joe, which serves as one example of Billy’s legacy of ministry. He always had a shepherd’s heart, an outgoing personality, and a desire to help people know the truth of God’s Word.
In closing, Billy served in various capacities for the Ohio District Pentecostal Church of God (PCG), including as District Bishop for 14 years. He was an ordained minister with the PCG for over 50+ years. He always had a heart for mentoring, helping, and working with local pastors in ministry.
In closing, Billy was the same man you saw behind the pulpit and outside of it. He lived his life with integrity, godly character, and exuberant passion. The older he got as a preacher, he was nicknamed “Yosemite Sam” due to his fiery disposition when preaching and the fact that he turned red in the face when delivering a message.
In closing, through the means of his obituary, Billy has had the chance to “preach” one final message about the love of Jesus. In true fashion, his sermon (and obit) has included several “closings.” If you are reading this and wondering if God’s love is real or if you are uncertain about God’s existence or goodness, Billy’s life serves as an example of God’s love and existence. God took the worst of people (Billy) and changed his life forever. Today, we remember Billy’s example of servant leadership, Christian character, and heart of love.
In Billy’s final closing, let’s remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:9-10 “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it by openly declaring your faith that you are saved” (NLT).
The family will receive friends from 3 PM to 5 PM on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home, Carey, Ohio, and one hour prior to the service on Monday. The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church of God, 1888 CH 96 Carey, Ohio, with his grandson, Rev. Joe Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Carey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, Bridge Home Health & Hospice, or Lighthouse Pentecostal Church of God and sent to Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home, 225 West Findlay Street, Carey, Ohio 43316.
Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Rev. Billy’s family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com.
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