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Paul Turner III of Charlotte, NC passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at his home surrounded by his wife and two daughters after a courageous 12-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Paul was born on September 10, 1946 in Miami, Florida to the late Paul Turner Jr and Georgia Pierce Turner. After a few short years living in England due to his father’s career with Pan American Airways, Paul spent the majority of his childhood in Setauket, Long Island and would often look back and fondly describe these years as “magical.” Growing up, Paul played and loved most sports but excelled in basketball and even played on the freshmen basketball team at the University of Colorado his first year; he would forever consider himself a proud Buffalo. Paul formed many treasured friendships during his younger years in Setauket, relationships that continued to flourish throughout adulthood. These connections were a testament to his warm, kind nature. Paul’s legacy of friendship and compassion will continue to inspire us all.
As a young boy, Paul’s passion was always Aviation and after graduating from college at CU, he began taking flying lessons. Paul persevered through many ups and downs flying various aircrafts including Cessnas, Beechcraft and the Learjet and finally got his big break when he was hired by Piedmont Airlines in December 1985. After a very rewarding career, Paul retired on September 10, 2016 with USAirways, flying Captain on the Airbus 320. Upon retirement, he went into the Training Department of American Airlines teaching new hires eventually becoming a Simulator Pilot which he loved and continued doing until his cancer diagnosis in January 2024. Paul was greatly admired throughout his career and often regarded as a true gentleman, a consummate professional and having a kind and gentle demeanor by his co-pilots, co-workers, and bosses alike.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Mary Albrecht Turner, two devoted daughters, Aubrey Kathryn Turner and Devon Theresa Swartz, admired son-in-law, Bryan Swartz, grandson, Archer Swartz whom he adored, and his favorite dog, Cash; two sisters, Becky Palmer (Denny) of Leawood Kansas and Susie Norton (Harry) of Charlotte; two brothers, Bill Turner (Carol) of Clarksville, TN and Donald Turner (Claire) of Glen Allen, VA; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 1 at The Venues at Langtree from 3 to 6 pm.
Consider donating your time or resources to pancreatic cancer research via panCAN.org, an admirable organization dedicated to researching and fighting pancreatic cancer.
Carolina Creation is assisting the Turner family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com
Jacquelin Magni says
Mary:
I am heartbroken for your loss, for your family‘s loss. My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2012 and died from complications of the Whipple procedure in March 2012. It’s a vicious cancer.
My thoughts are surely with you .
Sue Hemmer says
Dear Mary I am sending you my very deepest sympathy
Sandy Vermillion says
Mary, so sorry to learn of Paul’s passing. It sounds like he had a satisfying life. Glad he got to enjoy a grandchild. One of life’s greatest treasures.
My sympathies to you and family.
SandyVermillion
Judy Bielfeldt says
Mary,
We’re sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband, Paul. God bless you & your family in going forward and keeping the fond memories close to heart.
Jeanne DeMello says
Mary, Aubrey and Devon,
So very to hear that Paul has passed away. Words are very hard to come by at this time in your lives. Remember that he is no longer suffering and sure that he is happy in heaven.
I will pray for you all and for his grandson Archer.
Please take care of yourselves and know that God loves you all.
Jeanne DeMello
Deepest Sympathy
KATHRYN JOHNSON says
Dearest Mary,
I am saddened to hear about the passing of your husband and can’t imagine your past 12 months during his illness. I know this cancer is swift and devastating. I pray he rests now in the arms of God and in the company of the saints who rejoice over his joining their communion. Blessings, comfort and peace to you and all your family.
Kathy Johnson
Kathy Spanner says
Mary ,
I am so very sorry to hear about your husband .
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Kathy Spanner
Joey Hinson says
Mary, I was very sorry to read about Paul’s passing. I didn’t know him but what I read in the obituary he was a wonderful husband, father and family man. He is now in peace and not suffering. May God hold you and your girls
In His arms and keep you safe.
The Fishers says
Mary, Aubrey, and Devon,
We are so sorry for your loss. Paul was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. He was a special man. We pray for your peace and comfort during this difficult time of loss and grief. We hope the memories of his life, love and passions will bring comfort and joy moving forward.
Luke Hill says
Mary,
Some of life’s journeys are long and arduous and others right across the street. Either way, you’ve made many of each. May you always have divine guidance with all of them. It is the simple things in life that makes us appreciate each day as we grow older. Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue…..but never forget to remember those that have stuck by you. Paul’s heart was true to the core. Friendship is when people know all about you but like you anyway. He supported me through my dark times without flinching. He was a friend who walked in when others walk out. He was always there for me. I lift my glass to my dearest friend and say a toast we said many times “Here’s to us, and those like us, and there’s dam few left.” I miss him everyday.
Love to you and the girls,
Luke
Luke
Kay Henneman says
Mary, My prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow. Kay Henneman
Pam and Diane Greenwood says
Mary, Aubrey and Devon, we will cherish many memories of time spent with your Dad (husband). He was a kind and caring man and we always enjoyed the time spent with him. It was an honor to call him friend. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jen Burnett says
Dearest Mary, Aub and Devon, your father was the greatest. Such a wonderful role model to grow up with. They really don’t make them like him anymore! I will forever cherish the memories and time spent with your family and dad. I love you all so much and have been thinking about you during this time. Your dad is flying high on an Airbus among the angels. Love, Jen, Jon, Monty and Nova
Anne Head says
Mary,
We are very sad to hear of Paul’s death. He will be sorely missed. Hugs to you, Aubrey and Devon.
Love to you all,
Chris & Anne