Turley, Jerry W, 70, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2015. Major Jerry Wayne Turley, United States Marine Corps was born December 10, 1944 in Covington, Kentucky and raised in Dry Ridge and Winchester, Kentucky, to Carlyn Dale Turley and Eliza Lou Rainey. After attending High School, he joined the Marine Corps in 1962 at the age of 17, where he served for 25 years before retiring in 1987. His career was highlighted by service as a Combat Reconnaissance Marine and Patrol Leader in the jungles of Viet Nam, recognized as a leader; he was Commission a Second Lieutenant after the Viet Nam war. He was sought after by General Officers to serve in their commands because of his leadership and technical skills as an intelligence officer. His military service decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Marine Corps Combat Action Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with 3 stars, the National Defense Medal and numerous campaign medals for his service in Viet Nam and other places throughout the world. As a civilian, working for the Department of Defense he was recognized as one of the foremost civilian leaders in the country’s War on Drugs, by serving 15 years in that multi-agency effort that involved Central and South American countries as well as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. He received several letters acknowledging his sustained outstanding performance as a federal civil servant. Most noteworthy, upon his retirement from federal civil service, he was awarded the Joint Service Meritorious Service Medal for Civilians that was signed personally by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Also, he was a distinguished-graduate from Suffield University from which he was awarded a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Finance and Facility Management. Lastly, Major Turley graduated from a myriad of military schools that honed his skills as a professional in his beloved Marine Corps.
Jerry was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, enjoyed fishing and boating and loved vacationing in the Outer Banks in N.C., and the Keys in Fla. Jerry leaves behind his loving wife Ella Maxine (Max) Hill Turley, son Jerry W. Turley Jr. and his wife Lisa of Chesapeake Va, step children Diana Neil and husband Michael of Dallas TX, Gregg Hopewell and wife Terry also of Dallas TX, and an extended family of grandchildren, and great grand children
Jerry was a Marine, a devoted family man, loyal friend and dedicated public servant who was a wonderful husband and father and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM on Monday, November 30, 2015 at the First Assembly of God, 2087 E.C. 470, Sumterville, FL 33585. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM immediately following the visitation with Father Bob Swick officiating. Burial will follow at 2 PM at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
Maxine and family,
Please accept my deepest and heart felt sympathies. Jerry was a big inspiration to me in my professional career – so much so that I wanted to grow up and be just like him one day. Thanks to his leadership, guidance, mentorship, and friendship, I did grow up like him and have been serving in his old position for the past few years as the JIATFS J4 Director. He will never be forgotten by me or the other members of the J4 team that had the pleasure to serve with him. He was a great man and will be missed by all.
Max,
Colleen’s and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. When I arrived at JIATFS as a young Marine Corps Captain, Jerry gladly took on the role of mentor as he did with all the Marines, providing sage advice that can only be passed down from a crusty old Marine. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. He had a tremendously positive effect on the folks here and will be sorely missed.
I am privileged to have known Major Turley, a Marine’s Marine. I will always remember him for his humble attitude in the face of all his accomplishments. My prayers are for his family. May faith and good memories see you through.
Maxine and Jerry, Jr.and family and friends,
Jerry, Sr. will be missed tremendously. My heart aches for you all. I love you all and I am here if you need anything. My deepest condolences. He will never be forgotten.
Maxine, I don’t really know what to say right now. I am grieving as are all Jerry’s family and friends. He will be missed be me and many others. I have shed more than one tear for my friend and brother who I loved dearly since learning of his passing. Maybe it is for the best as he has suffered a great deal over the past year or two. I am just glad I got to see him last summer. Call if there is anything Shirley and I can do to ease your sorrow. We will see you Monday Morning in Sumterville. He and Jim Bell helped me over a big hump while we were in Key West. I was suffering from PTSD flashbacks and they talked me down from it in their office there in the J2. That was the start of my cure from that terrible disease. With some added help from high school kids of all people I have been good since 2008. God Bless Jerry and hold him close.
Jerry & family: our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
My heart goes out to your whole family. You all have been through so much in last 4 months.
Please hold each other tight, you will need each other to get through your heartache and pain.
May God wrap you all in his love, my prayers and deepest sympathy to you all.
Dear Maxine,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
May you find great comfort in the many blessed memories you hold in your heart!
Love,
Chevon
Like many friends who have left condolence notes today, I’m also grieving for Maxine and Jerry Jr. Jerry and I first met when he was a new Captain at Landing Force Training Command, he was a great officer, with a sense of humor that was infectious. Jerry could be serious when the time dictated it, but never took himself too seriously. He loved good food, a good drink, and good company. At FMFLANT in Norfolk, Jerry served as the G2 Plans Officer heading up all wartime planning for Gen Al Grey. Needless to say, he was stressed, working an exceptionally high tempo job…took in typical Turley style, with grace, humor and dedication. His only savior was Pierce’s BBQ in Williamsburg… The boy could eat. As we all age, our greatest friends seem to be reporting for duty with the Sgt Maj in the sky more often. I’ll tip a glass of fine single malt in Jerry’s honor Monday at 1400. Semper Fi my good friend, there is less joy in this world without you.
Jerry Jr.,
Although I didn’t know your dad personally, I felt that I knew him a little from talking with you about him. He sounded like a great man, who will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.
Family and Friends of Jerry,
I only had to meet him once to know he was a Great Man, loving Father, Stepfather and Grandfather! I am speechless. My heartfelt and deepest condolences to you all. I am praying for you!
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Jerry. He was a very sweet man. Prayers for your family during this very difficult time . Kathy & Danny Couture
Maxine,
Lena and I also send our prayers and condolences. I, like all the other JIATF “alumni”, have fond memories of Jerry…his smile, his soft laughter, common sense, and just overall great professional and super guy. Sincerely, Tom and Lena Herlihy
I’ve known Jerry since meeting him on a business trip in 1991. Later in 1993 I was stationed in Key West, Fl where he became a great friend and a God Parent to my son Steven. Jerry and I both lived in Big Pine Key and played poker on the weekends with our good friends Jimmy Bell and Tom Kessinger. He played Santa Claus for his God Child (my son) whom just this week joined the USAF. I am greatly saddened that he passed before I could tell him that bit of news. Jerry was a patriot, a Marine, a Christian and a great American. He taught me a lot both professionally and personally and for that I will always be indebted to him. I last met Jerry after he retired in Ocala, Fl. He was in bad health but was obviously very happy enjoying the American dream with his wonderful wife Maxine. I miss him already however I’m heartened to know one day Jerry, Jimmy, Tom and I will play poker again. May God bless Jerry Turley, his family, and the countless people whose lives he touched.
Max – big hugs to you and the family. I know this is a very difficult and trying time for you, especially on the eve of Thanksgiving. There’s just not a lot I or anyone can say to take away the pain you must be feeling. But in time things will get better. You two were such a huge part of my fond recollections of my tour in KWEST. When I think of my time there today, you, Jerry, Ralph Blessing, CAPT Perkins, CAPT Wilcox, RADM Gee, Rich Schutler, Alexis Loo, (and even my ex Merrill), and many others, bring back such wonderful memories that it’s difficult to fathom the loss you must be feeling.
Just know Jerry is in a much better place and is probably looking down on all of us with s big smile and s positive upbeat message that says HEY, I’ve loved I’ve lived and I’m gratefully for all I am. He’ll be missed sorely but never forgotten.
Maxine,
It was with such grief that I received the news of Jerry’s passing. I am so sorry and realize that words will never be able to replace what he meant to you, his family and the many lives he touched over the years we were blessed with this presence. I am so sorry I was not able to see you both once again. As you know he assisted me in being so successful at the JTF, as he did many others, and was a mainstay for the operations. God bless.
Maxine,
Our hearts ache with the loss of Jerry. Please accept our sincere condolence. He was a presence that was instructive, forceful, gentle and kind. The memory of Jerry will forever remain with us, as will our love for you and all the family. Jerry had a major imact on us and it was him (and Jimmy Bell) who started the POW/MIA committee at JIATF.
Please accept our condolences from Sumterville Assembly of God. We welcome the Turley family members to the service here on Monday. I would like to extend my personal sympathy to Mrs. Turley, since I am also a widow of a Marine, who served in Guantanemo Bay, Cuba in the 1960’s. Marines are truly heroes in any campaign they are sent to serve in…alwyas carrying out their duty to God, man and country to the fullest extent. I know the sacrifice the wife and family members have to make in order to accept their dedication to service. What an exemplary man is Major Jerry Wayne Turley. I thank you, the Turley family, for gifting this nation with such an honorable man. Semper Fi!
Patsy A. Boellner, Financial Secretary
Sumterville First Assembly of God
Maxine,
I am so sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories you created help you through this difficult time.
Maxine and Family,
Marianne and I are very saddened by your loss and would like to extend our condolences. I was proud and honored to have served with Jerry for all those years at JIATF, he sure made the job a lot easier and more fun.
Maxine — What a great loss. Jerry was such a rock-solid, stable presence for so many of us back at JTF4 and JIATF for so many years. His leadership and integrity truly made a difference in the command climate back in those days. I am deeply saddened. Since I’m not too far from you (Winter Park) I plan to come to the service Monday. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie
Maxine,
So sorry. Jerry was a great man and a blessing to many. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
The Family is very sorry to hear this . We are praying for all of you at this time.
Maxine, I just wanted you to know that I am saddened by your loss. Jerry was one-of-a-kind. My thoughts are with you and family. Warm regards, Will
Maxine,
Glenn told us yesterday of Jerry’s passing. I can only echo what others say of him here in the notes they have left you. WE WILL INCLUDE jERRY AND YOU IN OUR family prayers. God Bless and fair winds and following seas Jerry.
My condolences and deepest sympathy goes out, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jerry was such a wonderful man so loved and respected by all who had the joy of meeting him. (Myself included.) I’m so honored to gave known him and my heart aches at his loss, as it truly is such a monumental loss. I wish we lived closer, but please know that even in Texas if there is anything we can provide, it’s yours. Tara, John, and Gavin
I can’t express in words how saddened I am at Jerry’s passing, except to say, it causes me to think about my own father and the relationship (friendship) he and Jerry shared over the years. I remember knowing Jerry as a boy., I’m sure the occasions were numerous during the years but as a young adult ‘our’ relationship changed as it must.., Jerry became a friend to me, as well. I will always remember the last time I met with him, Maxine, and Jerry Jr. for lunch in Chesapeake., it seems so long a go, but I still remember Jerry’s facial expression as we were saying our goodbyes:((. He was more than a friend to me; in my heart, an adopted uncle. Jerry, for years you gave me a “pumpkin cheese cake discount”., that you would always joke about:)). I’ll miss you so very much.
To Maxine, Family and Friends of Jerry Turley:
May Memories Comfort You
The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand,
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land,
The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains…
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.
May your memories bring you comfort and keep your loved one close in heart.
-Mary Williams Dobrin
Dear Maxine and family,
You have my most heartfelt condolances ! I served with Jerry at Camp Pendleton, CA in the late 60’s and again at Little Creek, VA in the late 70’s. I always considered Jerry a good friend and mentor! He was someone I always looked up to professionally and personally. We seemed to have lost touch in recent years and I was unaware of his serious health issues. I wish I could have seen him before he passed. You all are in our prayers!
I have not seen Jerry since working at JIATF East, Key West, Fl. He was a hell of a Marine. I really enjoyed his sense of humor in the face of high-tempo and stressful situations. The enlisted Marines loved him the most. Major Turley was a Marine’s role model, for sure. He will be missed!
Maxine, family and friends our deepest condolences on the lost of Jerry. I can’t begin to express the impact Jerry had on our lives. He was a great leader, the years we had with him at JTF4 and Jiatf will never be forgotten! His annual Cookouts at the Warehouse and his presence of command will always be in our hearts. He made the J4 a family that I will always feel a part of. Our family will always cherish those memories that his leadership brought to the command. Thank you for Jerry and his beloved memory, he will never be forgotten!
Love Billy & family
So very saddened to learn of Jerry’s passing. We had worked together at JTF-4 and later iterations of that task force. Although a Marine, Jerry had a great many friends and co-workers who were “Blue Suiters.” We all will miss him greatly. Sincere sympathies to Max and the family.
Maxine,
I just now became aware that Jerry has passed away; I am so sorry that this happened.
There are people that enter our lives that have significant impact on how we think, act, and behave. As I reflect on my time at JIATF South, Jerry was such a person, a mentor for me. He had such a solid grounding of the operational aspects of JIATF South. He motivated me to become a relentless academician and practitioner regarding all aspects of JIATF South’s inner workings – I wanted to be as good as / know as much as Jerry and that was a tall order. The environment of JIATF South was simply extraordinary, blessed with many larger than life personalities who believed deeply in what they were doing for the nation. Jerry had an unshakable vision of JIATF South’s future and absolute confidence in the people to make it happen – for me, Jerry was one to emulate. Sherri and I deeply appreciated Jerry’s persona – he made those around him more chivalrous, compassionate, understanding and accommodating. He made JIATF South a much better place, and me, a better person.
God deemed Jerry’s work on earth complete and he is now home in the arms of the Lord. I will remember him with great fondness and respect; will try to pass on to others what he inspired and taught me. I look forward to seeing him again. We pray that God will bless the Truly’s.
Maxine
I don’t have to tell you that Jerry Turley was a rare breed, a Father, Husband, Friend and Patriot. Candice and I were deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Jerry will be missed but lives on in our hearts. God Bless you and your family as you sojourn through these trying times and know you are in our daily prayers.
Jerry Jr. and the Turley Family,
I met Jerry back in the early 80’s. Over the years i knew Jerry to be a great friend. Honest, opinionated, a natural born leader if there ever was one……. but yet one of the nicest guys you could ever know. Coining a phrase i heard awhile back…..”Jerry was a Marine’s Marine”! Straight foreword, No BS……telling it like it was! He will be sorely missed not only by me but i’m sure by anyone who really knew him. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time and let time start it’s path to heal your pain.
May God give comfort and peace to the friends and family of Jerry Turley. May your hearts be flooded with happy memories. Job 14:14 Pastor Daniel Richwine
Since meeting Jerry in the early 1990’s in Key West, he has always been a friend of mine. He was a kind, intelligent and thoughtful person. We will miss his appearance in our lives. God bless you.
Max and family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Jerry. I offer to you my heartfelt sympathies at this time of your loss and grief. Jerry was one of my dearest friends and I considered him to be one of the finest Marines I have known and served with. We played football together at FMFLant, Norfolk, Virginia and he was one tough guy. I called him the “dancing bear’ in tribute to his size and agility and I could always count on him for that downfield block when I needed it. I absolutely loved this man and I grieve with you all in the passing of an American hero and one of the finest individuals I have ever known. Semper Fi, my friend!
Curt Leslie
Major, US Marine Corps (Retired)
Dear Turley family,
I found that your loved one passed away on his profile on Marines Together We Served. I’m so sorry for his lose. I knew than 2d Lt Turley while stationed at Cherry Point, NC in 1975 and 1976. He later made 1st Lt. Lt Turley was on the Corporal meritorious board when I was going up for Corporal. I believe he was the push that made my selection for Corporal a done deal. I didn’t stay in the USMC but I always knew he was a short but major influence in my life. I certainly didn’t know as a 19 year old of his past war activities. I missed by a few months corresponding with him on the site I mentioned. I have him listed as a friend there. Please know that I often think about him. Sincerely, Bob Truitt