Clarence Ricko Turner was born March 6, 1961 to the late Clarence and Elizabeth Turner of Lexsy, Georgia. During the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 22, 2013, he was called home. He enjoyed cooking, playing basketball and riding motorcycles. He was a 1979 graduate of Swainsboro High School. Ricko was an active member/usher of Ohoopee Grove Baptist Church, Nunez, Georgia.
In 1983, Ricko graduated from Georgia Southern College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology with a major in Building Construction Technology. While he was there he was also in the Army ROTC and was commissioned as a second Lieutenant upon graduation.
During his Army career, Ricko fought in the war of Desert Storm and earned many awards as well as recognitions. Some of them included the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Air Assault Badge, Army Service Ribbon. Ricko’s primary specialty was Tactical Intelligence Office.
After retiring from the Army, Ricko worked at the Department of Health in Tallahassee, Florida as a contract Manager. He was also, a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity with the nickname “Mad Dawg.”
Ricko’s parents and a brother (Joseph McKinney) preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories: Two daughters, Kuwanzasis Turner of Lake Mary, Florida, Elaini Turner of Tallahassee, Florida and their mother, Debbie Hardison of Tallahassee, FL ; Sisters, Bernestine Hardison of Tallahassee, Florida, Elease Turner of Lexsy, Georgia, Yasmine Denise Turner, Swainsboro, Georgia, Vickie Renfroe of Adrian, Georgia; Brothers Gregory Alphonso (Debora) Turner of Swainsboro, Georgia, Gerald Jackson of Adrian, Georgia, his former wife Regina Turner of Hollywood, Florida; nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services for Ricko will be held on Friday, November 1, 2013 at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 at 2:00pm. There will be a viewing at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville on Friday from 10:00am to 11:00am.
