Leroy "Crab" Turner

Leroy Turner was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who will be deeply missed. Leroy was born the fifth child of Frank and Laura Turner on March 16, 1932, in Savannah, Georgia. In his formative years, he attended the Chatham County school system. Because of his love for crabs he affectionately gained the nickname “Crab”. Leroy moved to Deerfield Beach at an early age after the passing of his mother. He was raised by his grandmother, Ella Nobles and his aunt Mardell Walls. It was here where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Graham Turner, a union of 65 years. In his early adulthood, Leroy was employed with the City of Deerfield Beach Police Department, but he found his calling in the Broward County School District, faithfully working at Park Ridge Elementary school, for 35 years. Leroy loved the Lord and under the leadership of the Reverend Doctor Norman E. Freeman Jr., he joined the Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Crab was a proud citizen of Deerfield Beach. He loved the city and his community. He was always willing to offer support to his friends, his neighbors, and anyone in need. The neighborhood children were always welcomed in his home where they could find safety, a hot meal, a place to sleep, guidance, and words of encouragement. On February 22, 2025, God said “Crab, your work here is done, it’s time to rest”. At the great age of 92, God took his hand and ushered him into eternity. Leroy is eternally reunited with his daughters, Dixie Lee Bennett, and Jacqueline (Jackie) Smiley, his mother and father, one sister, four brothers, and four beloved aunts. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Mary, children: Joel (Shareefah) Alston, Audrey (Diane) Thomas, Laura Turner, Deatrea Turner, Leroy (Briggett) Turner, and Frank (Jason)(Rhonda) Turner, twenty-nine grandchildren, forty great grandchildren, and thirty-three great great grandchildren, one brother, Hugh (Joe) (Sandra) Turner, two sisters, Nellene (Polly) Solomon, and Angie Shellman, one brother-in-law John (Diane) Graham, honorary son and daughter William and Elizabeth McGill, God Son, Frankie Battle, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Say not in grief “he is no more” but in thankfulness that “he was”

Leroy "Crab" Turner

March 16, 1932 - February 22, 2025