Blair Maguire Turner

Chester, SC: Colonel (R) Blair Maguire Turner, 58, died Friday, May 3, 2013, at his home.A memorial service will be held at the Chester Park Middle School Auditorium officiated by Rev. Dr. Jim Knoxon Wednesday, May 8th at 5 P.M. The family will receive friends following the service at the home located at 160 York Street, Chester, South Carolina. Born July 20, 1954 in Oakes, North Dakota, Colonel (R) Turner was the son of Marian Maguire Turner Lewis of Florida and the late Neville Wright Turner. He was a graduate of San Mateo High School in San Mateo, California. He received an appointment to and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. While at West Point he was selected to serve as a cadet on the Board of Ethics. He was a scholarship recipient at Columbia University, New York, New York where he earned his Masters of International Affairs.He was selected and graduated from the U.S. War College and attended the Defense Language School becoming fluent in German. He was a retired Colonel with 24 ½ years of service with United States Army. He received numerous military awards which included Legion of Merit, five Meritorious Service Awards and three Army Commendation Medals. He was an Airborne Ranger and an expert infantryman. His tours of duty included numerous assignments in Germany and throughout the United States. He was the former Associate Superintendent for the Fairfield County School District. He was the Associate Superintendent of Operations for Chester County Schools, Senior Cabinet member and second in command for all Chester County District operations. He served as interim Superintendent on two occasions. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited Committee, Chester Rotary, YMCA Board, Chester County Homebuilders Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board and Boy Scouts of America. He was instrumental in the implementation of the Lewisville Sporting Clays Team and developing the Nature Park on Highway 9. He led the design, development and construction of the new District Office. He obtained a large grant to implement an emergency management plan in the school district that still is in effect today. In addition to his mother, Colonel (R) Turner is survived by his wife of twenty-six years JoAnn Miller Turner; one sister, Maureen Turner of California; one brother, Shaun Turner, his wife, Miriam, and four nieces, Carly, Natalie, Sarah and Brenna of Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Ryan Maguire Turner and his stepfather, Edward Lewis. Memorials may be made to West Point Fund, West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, New York 10996. Online condolences for the family can be made at www.barronfuneral home.com.