Ellis Jackson Turner, 80, of Burgaw went swiftly to join his beloved wife in their heavenly home on Saturday, March 18, 2017 while doing what he enjoyed most, serving others.

Ellis, one of 12 children, was born to Jackson B. and Lila Ezzell Turner on November 13, 1936 in Duplin County. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie McLaurin Turner; son, Keith Ellis Turner; and sisters, Edith Luther and Dorothy Wells.

He is survived by his daughters, Patricia Turner Matthews (Jim), Jan Turner Squires (Kevin) and Lynne Turner Custer (Tony); grandchildren, Adam Blackmon (Mollianne Gotter), Alicia Blackmon Sutton (Chad), Lydia Custer, Joanna Custer, David Custer, Sarah Custer, and Joseph Custer; brothers, Dallas Turner and Doug Turner; sisters, Esther Kivett, Joan Turner, Ethel White, Carolyn Braddock, Marilyn Cross, Hilda Tyson, and Sandra Kay Hunt; and many "adopted" grandchildren – the youth of Watha PFWB Church, all who loved EJ dearly.

Ellis was a former City of Fayetteville police officer and retired from NC State Highway Patrol in 1987.

He was a member of Watha Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church where he faithfully served God and the church in the capacities of deacon, custodian, van driver for the youth, and master gardener/caretaker of the Prayer Garden. He regularly visited the sick, elderly and friends. He loved all people, never met a stranger, and most important shared his faith, love for his Lord, and truths of the Bible. Being a man of prayer he prayed the most beautiful, eloquent and timely prayers straight from his heart. It was as if he was standing before the throne of God praising and interceding. EJ's sense of humor knew no bounds as he was good at making folks smile and laugh. His mantra in life was "whatever you undertake do it with excellence" and he always gave 100% to his Lord, family and friends; he expected the same of others. EJ's life on this earth was a gift to us all.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Watha PFWB Church with Pastor Clint Jones conducting the service. Burial will be 1:00 p.m. at Oak Grove PFWB Church Cemetery, 6535 Oak Grove Church Road, Stedman, NC.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts maybe given to Watha PFWB Church Prayer Garden or WOW! Youth, C/O Cynthia Merritt, 1744 Anderson Road, Watha, NC 28478.

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Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.