Arthur Turner Obituary

Arthur
"Lee" Turner

June 18, 1945
to June 20, 2025

Arthur Lee Turner, known to all as "Lee," passed away on June 20, 2025, surrounded by his family at Enloe Hospital in Chico, CA, just two days after his 80th birthday. A lifelong resident of Corning, CA, Lee dedicated his life to education, community service, church, and his beloved family.

Born on June 18, 1945, in Corning, to Lola Lee Turner and Ross Miller Turner Jr., Lee grew up on his family's olive ranch with his brother, Ross, and continued to tend to his several acres of olives with love, care, and pride throughout his life.

He attended Corning-area elementary and high schools, where he played high school football, was a member of 4-H, and graduated with the Class of 1963. Lee went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Chico State in 1967, followed by his teaching credential in 1968.

In 1968, Lee married Judy Jackson, beginning a loving and devoted marriage that spanned 56 years. He taught 8th grade U.S. history and Physical Education in Corning for 38 years, where generations of students remembered him for making history "come alive" and for helping lead lunchtime intramural sports. He was honored with a Teacher of the Year Award, a testament to his passion for education and the lasting impact he had on his students.

Beyond the classroom, Lee served as an umpire for Little League baseball and as a referee for football and middle school basketball. He was a member of the Corning Cardinals Boosters club and volunteered for many activities. Lee was an Eagle Scout and a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Corning for 65 years, where he served faithfully as an Elder and gave generously of his time and care.

After retirement in 2010, Lee continued to serve the community through his volunteer work at Corning Christian Assistance food bank. He was a familiar and friendly face around town - someone who never met a stranger and was always eager for conversation.

Lee's love of history extended beyond the classroom. He enjoyed traveling to historic sites, U.S. National Parks, battlefield memorials, and professional baseball stadiums across the country.

He also traveled internationally to Europe, Egypt, Peru, China, and Mexico. Each summer, he cherished time with family at Lake Tahoe. A devoted reader of newspapers, his favorite book was Roots by Alex Haley. He also took great joy in watching his sons and grandsons play sports, perform in band concerts, and appear in theatrical productions.

A proud fan of northern California professional sports teams, especially the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants, Lee was always up for a spirited discussion about the latest game.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Lola Turner and Ross Turner Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Turner; his brother, Ross M. Turner; his sons, Mitch Turner (Lily) of Magalia, CA, and Cory Turner (Mahalley) of Chico, CA; and his cherished grandsons, Anakin, Beaux, Kevin, Stone, and Ethan.

Lee's legacy is one of integrity, kindness, dedication, generosity, and deep community roots. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2 PM, at the First Presbyterian Church of Corning, 471 Marguerite Avenue. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests mailing donations in Lee's memory to the First Presbyterian Church, 471 Marguerite Ave., Corning, CA 96021, or your charity of choice.