Turner, Shawn Jay's Obituary
Our beloved Dad, Shawn Jay Turner, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Born on August 20th, 1965, to the union of Gloria Jane Burns and Peter Redic Turner Jr. in Ferriday, Louisiana, Shawn was the youngest of their seven children.
He was educated within the Concordia Parish School District, attending elementary through high school in Ferriday. He was a proud Trojan! His childhood was an idyllic time, which he often recalled fondly. He had become a fixture of his small town, earning him the title of “Renaissance Man” amongst family and close friends.
Shawn’s small-town upbringing fostered his inquisitive nature, affording him the opportunity to explore a myriad of hobbies and pastimes. He was an avid cyclist and trickster, had an undeniable passion for tennis, was a talented swimmer and lifeguard, earned a Black belt in jiu-jitsu, and won a marksman award for target shooting at the tender age of 15. In his adolescence, woodworking and cars were added to his repertoire. He would often spend his days engrossed in carpentry, in cars, and joyriding in his mama’s Thunderbird. During his early adult years, he learned both the guitar and the piano by ear, exhibiting that he was musically inclined.
In August of 1987, free-spirited Shawn made the trek from Louisiana to the Bay Area. It was here where his 30-year career in the trucking industry commenced. Known as “One Shot Shawn” amongst his colleagues for his skillful and meticulous driving, he was undoubtedly proud of his work. He started at Ryder-Ford and subsequently became employed with Sealy in Richmond, CA as both a local and a long-haul driver. It was at Sealy where he would be recognized for upwards of 20 years of outstanding and excellent service.
Fatherhood came naturally to Dad; perhaps it was the nurturing he received as the “baby” of his family, but he poured into each one of us effortlessly. He considered becoming a father his greatest achievement, never ceasing to share just how proud he was. He was a simple, yet worldly man, who provided for us an enriched upbringing; his personal passions existed on a continuum into his fatherhood, and he fostered an environment that allowed us to discover our own. Some of our fondest and most vivid memories include us listening to and singing diverse genres of music in some of his most coveted cars: the Nova he rebuilt, his first new car - the Corolla - his customized Diamante, and most significant to our family, the legendary “Burby.”
While it is with great sorrow that he is no longer with us, it is with bittersweet gratitude that Dad has left us with a legacy that transcends the physical realm. He sang like no one was listening and danced like no one was watching; in essence, teaching us a sense of freedom, fearlessness, and fortitude. His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply in his wide network of community.
Shawn is preceded in death by his parents Peter and Gloria, and his eldest brother, Peter III.
Shawn is survived by his partner April Whittington; his four children: Frances Kaye (Timothy), Kirsten Chloe’ (Vernard), Caitlin LeAnne (Raheem), Shawn Jay II, and their mother, Ethel Cabanlit; his grandchildren: Jelani, Vernard Jr., Vincent, V’ahli, Veyah, Timothy III, and V; and his siblings: Dale, Ann, Donna (David), Eric, and Guy (Chere), along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
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