Harry (Rusty) Russell Turner

On June 23, 2023, we bid final farewell to our beloved, Harry Russell Turner. Harry passed away after a seven-year long battle with cancer. He was a genuinely positive person who faced life's challenges and illness complications with unending courage and grace. Harry never complained about his health issues and condition, nor did he let it alter the way he lived his life. Even on his worst health days, Harry always gave the same response, "Oh, I'm all right" whenever asked how he was doing. 

Harry was born on October 22, 1949 in Texarkana, where he spent his childhood and teen years. After graduating from Texas High School, Texarkana in 1969, he was drafted into the US Army. He served his tour in Germany. As an adult, his primary work career was with Exxon Mobil, where he traveled the country the last 8 years of his career installing and maintaining telecommunications networks. 

Harry lived life fully and had an outstanding personality. He was very engaging, quick-witted, caring and a great listener. He was dearly loved by so many people whose lives he touched, including his Texarkana high school classmates, co- workers at Exxon Mobil, neighbors and his extended family, to which he was endlessly devoted. He was a very proud Texan! He delighted in his knowledge of "Dad facts and other useless trivia". His family lovingly knew him as "Superman", his doctors and the Texarkana high school classmates called him "Rocky" (because he always answered the bell, despite the innumerable cancer related obstacles). 

Harry loved helping people and loved to fix things. He was always there with grit and determination to help a friend make something work, when it didn't. His community service work with the Granbury Lions Club earned him the Melvin Jones Fellow International Award for Humanitarian Service. 

Harry was a very talented guitar player and singer. He had a relaxed, warm and soulful baritone voice. He passionately loved both country and classic rock music. In 2018, he and THS classmate, Randy Walker, formed the R&R band, and they performed at their 50th high school reunion and other venues around Dallas and Texarkana until December, 2022. 

Harry played sports in his high school years, and enjoyed playing golf in his adult years, as well as following his favorite college and professional football teams. He also loved collecting things: cars, license plates, oil company memorabilia, old tools, cameras, and especially guitars. He once said he collects anything that collects dust. His family teased if he had 1 screwdriver he had 400, of course that was denied. 

Harry also collected lifelong friends wherever he went. This special man was admired for the way he lived his life and will be greatly missed by many. Harry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patti, who co-anchored their life journey, and their two wonderful and talented sons, Trey and Joseph (and wife Taylor). Harry is preceded in death by his older brother, Alan (and surviving wife Evelyn) and is survived by his younger three brothers, Aubrie (and wife Ginger), Gary (and wife Gail) and Bruce (and wife Tammy), and his younger sister, Lisa Turner Scott (and husband Jeff). Harry is also survived by 16 nephews and nieces, 14 great nieces and nephews and 6 great, great nieces and nephews. 

Harry would want to leave you with these inspiring words of an ancient Celtic blessing. 

                                                                         May The Road Rise Up to Meet You 

                                                                   May the road rise up to meet you. 

                                                                   May the wind be always at your back. 

                                                                   May the sun shine warm upon your face; 

                                                                   The rains fall softly upon your fields 

                                                                   And until we meet again, 

                                                                   May God hold you in the palm of His hand. 

A wake to celebrate his life will be announced as plans are finalized. 

Music was so dear to him he requested in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support the Arts in Medicine Program at Baylor University Medical Center, which provided beautiful and comforting music to be played at Harry's bedside during his times in the hospital.

Gifts may be made in Harry's memory online by visiting https://dallasfoundation.bswhealth.com/ways-to-give/donate and identify the "Arts in Medicine Fund". Or checks may be mailed to 

Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation 

301 N. Washington Ave 

Dallas, TX 75246