William David Turner, Jr.

Evangelist William David Turner, Jr. devoted his life to the furtherance of the Gospel and the service to others. He was born to William Turner, Sr. and Lillie Bell Turner on February 22, 1949 in Miami, Florida. Growing up, he became known as “Jay” or “Jay Boy” amongst family and friends in the community. His parents raised him and his siblings in a devoutly Christian home where they were taught to love God, take care of one another, and serve others. His early adult years were spent as part of the United States Marine Corps, serving in the Vietnam War, where he was awarded several service medals, including a National Defense Service Medal and a Purple Heart Medal. Returning to the Miami area after his service, he married his loving wife of over fifty years, Mikolean Bernice Haynes Turner. He began working at the Miami Herald and became the first African American operational foreman for the Herald in over sixty years. It was during those years that he accepted the Lord as his personal savior. God showed his hand mightily during this time and not only saved his soul, but also the soul of his “help meet,” Mikolean. Both joined and became an integral part of Bible Miracle Deliverance Church. While there, he served as a deacon, working diligently within his church, including witnessing and ministering to the needs of the lost and being actively engaged with the youth. Not long after, God visited him with a distinct message that would direct the next chapter in his Christian journey. “As I was standing outside near a canal, God spoke one word to me. That word was NOW. Within that now, God would require me to leave my job, sell my home, and with my young family, go out onto the mission field.” Initially, joining a six-person evangelistic team, and later, on his own, Evangelist and Mother Turner and their young family, travelled extensively throughout the United States, preaching and teaching about the Lord. God shaped and molded him through many obstacles and much opposition. Lack of money, harsh weather conditions, and even family illness were all a part of his time on the mission field. But, in every instance, God prepared the way, healed, and provided the means to do the work that had been laid to his hands. In the mid-eighties, God brought Evangelist and Mother Turner off the national mission field and opened the door for ministry opportunities in the Central Florida area. It was through those opportunities that he was introduced to their future pastor, Apostle G.H. Washington and the Temple of Faith family. Serving as a part of this ministry afforded him the opportunity to continue evangelizing in the eastern United States, as well as the Bahamas and other parts of the West Indies. In addition, he served for over twenty years as a part of the Boy Scouts of America and participated in the organization of the Apopka Citywide Revival, as well as various Temple of Faith Church initiatives. God blessed him to minister to the lives of many, including youth while employed at Apopka High School. It was not uncommon for him to take out Bibles, providing godly instruction to the students assigned to his care. In honor of his contributions, he was named an Orange County Support Person of the Year. Evangelist William Turner continued to serve and minister at home, as well as throughout the eastern coast of the United States. He embodied the calling of an evangelist in Word and in Deed. “I must obey God, no matter the opposition, no matter if you want to hear what God has to say or not. I must obey God and say it. After that, I am free.” He was preceded in death by his parents, William Turner. Sr. and Reverend Lillie Bell Turner; one brother, Madison James Carter, and one sister-in-law, Diane Moon Turner. On Tuesday, September 2, 2025 he was called from his service to rest. He leaves cherished memories with his wife, Mikolean Turner; his two daughters LaShanda Turner Tucker (Rodney I) and Arica Turner Britten (Keith); five siblings: Kumell Turner, Sr. (Diane, deceased), Patricia Pittman (Charlie), Michael Turner, Sr. (Dawnie), Samuel Turner, and Timothy Turner: grandchildren; Rodney Tucker II, Stanton Tucker, Maya Tucker, Grant Tucker, Alexandria Tucker, Kennedy Coney and Aliyah Britten; one great-grandchild, Pharaoh Diaz Tucker, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, devoted relatives and friends.

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William David Turner, Jr.

February 22, 1949 - September 2, 2025