Timmy Ray Turner

Timmy Ray Turner was born on September 10, 1958 to Frank Turner, Sr. and Odessa Whitt Turner in Hope, Arkansas. He moved to Memphis, TN with his family at a young age. He accepted Christ into his life at a young age and was of the Baptist faith. Timmy was educated in the Memphis City Public school system and received both his undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees at the University of Memphis in Music Performance. After graduation, he taught in the Memphis City School system for 3 years where he was a high school band director at Manassas and Carver High Schools. He was also the Director of Bands at Morehouse College for 7 years where his band performed for esteemed events. His last position was as Associate Professor, Chairman of the Music Department, and Director of both the jazz and symphonic bands at Xavier University where he established credentials for a recording studio on campus. He held these respective positions for 23 years. His love for music and as an educator inspired him to teach and share his knowledge and skills with the many students whose lives that he touched. His talents also gained the respect of colleagues and peers in the music industry, and afforded him opportunities to perform all over the world with world famous artists. Timmy departed this earth on May 20, 2022 in New Orleans, LA at the age of 63. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Turner, Sr.; his mother Odessa Whitt Turner; his eldest brother, Frank Turner, Jr.; and eldest sister, Gertha Cunningham. He was married from July 1984 – January 2003 to Arveeta Williams Turner. From this union he leaves to cherish his memory three sons – Brandon Turner, 32 of Colorado Springs, CO; Miles Turner, 27 of Atlanta, GA; and Jonathan Turner, 26 of Forney, Texas; and older sister Patsy Walker of Memphis, TN. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, and his expected first grandchild due in August 2022. Relatives and friends of the family, also members of the Xavier University community are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Xavier University St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125 on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 11:00am. Visitation will start at 9:00am. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.