Richardson Vernon Turner, Jr. (Rick)

October 4, 1943-March 23, 2024 Richardson Vernon Turner, Jr.(Rick) passed away peacefully on March 23rd. A true Renaissance Man, he was a clamdigger and house painter in his teens, a star athlete in high school, and a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in Sculpture. Rick’s career in construction began while in college and eventually led him to Knoxville, TN, where he founded and ran Richardson Turner Construction Co. from 1981-2004. Creating art was always a part of his life and he transitioned into a full-time career as an artist, dedicating his time to his creative pursuits in sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography, poetry, and music. In both careers, Rick’s goal was always to create something beautiful. He was a lover of the arts and music, a man of great depth, and in every respect a very cool guy. Rick and his wife, Marilyn, enjoyed traveling to many wonderful destinations, the latest of which was the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific, a dream of his since early adolescence. They were also able to spend more time in his beloved Long Island where Rick grew up, having moved there at the age of 3 from New York City, where he was born. Rick was a prince among men, a gentleman, and a scholar, who was always in favor of “good form.” He was an avid reader of a wide range of topics, always learning and stretching his imagination with a strong belief in self-improvement. Rick was a man of ideas and a visionary who followed through in both realms because he was also a man of action who got the job done, after which there was always a new project waiting in the wings. He was an entrepreneur, a man of courage, who never shied away from a challenge. Rick was also a problem solver who was always looking for positive outcomes. He was a mentor to many and a loyal friend to many more. He was a kind man and a generous supporter of many organizations to which he gave his time and talents, as well as his resources. Rick was a cradle Episcopalian, a man of great faith, and a member of the Church of the Ascension for 48 years. He served on the Vestry and as Junior and Senior Warden many times. He was a natural born leader with a wonderful sense of humor, humility, and service. Rick was preceded in passing by his parents, Richardson Vernon Turner, Sr. of Brooklyn, NY, and Jane Dimond D’Olier of Manhattan, NY. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn Avery Turner, son Amos Benjamin Avery Turner, daughter Coral Grace Turner, son-in-law John Winchester Craig, granddaughter Clio Lena Turner Craig, sister Joan Jonas and brother James D. Turner. He is also survived by his nephew Toby Coulson and his family Clarisse, Manon, and Loup, as well as his brother-in-law and family, Dean R. R. Avery, wife Susan F. Avery, Jenny Avery and husband Michael Fosberg, Phoebe E. Avery and husband Cameron Ishaq and their children Graham and Lucy Ishaq. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle who will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Church of the Ascension on Friday, April 12th at 4pm. There will be an exhibition of his lithographs, screenprints, paintings, and photographs in the Parish Hall, where there will be a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Fish Hospitality Pantries, Helen Ross McNabb, The University of Tennessee Knoxville Printmaking Department and/or The Cancer Support Community Center East Tennessee.

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Richardson Vernon Turner, Jr. (Rick)

October 4, 1943 - March 23, 2024