Obituary of Robert Jay Turner

Robert Jay Turner, 80, of Columbia passed away December 31, 2020. He was born July 30, 1940 in Avon Park, Florida. Robert was the son of the late Alexander Jefferson Turner and Audrey Lockett Turner. Robert became a BSA Eagle Scout in 1958 and attended the American High School of Paris in France and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1962 with degrees in Management, Economics, and ROTC. He also studied at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.

Robert was a proud veteran that served in the US Army from 1965-1968 during the Vietnam War as a captain, a period of time that instilled in him an incredible sense of service and love for his country.

After returning from Vietnam, Robert began working at Carolina Eastman Chemical Company in Human Relations. In addition to helping employees with insurance and other needs, he became the editor of the company newspaper. Publishing through the Eastman home office in Kingsport, Tennessee was a monthly joy of his for many years. He retired from the company after 30 years.

After completing Community of Hope chaplaincy training in 2006 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, SC, Robert served the Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, which was the highlight of his working years. Robert and Catherine were active members of the Church of the Apostles where he participated in several ministries there as well.

Robert was an adoring and proud husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Catherine Collins Turner of Columbia, SC, his children Clayton, Scott, Lauren, Alecia, Shawn, Brittany, and Guy. Robert will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Jaycee, Jeremi, Elijah, Alex, Sierra, Serenity, Summit, Venture, Ranger, William, Allie, Evan, Kelton, Guy, and Caitlyn. Robert will be forever remembered by his brother Jeff, sister Martha, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Church of the Apostles for family and a limited number of friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Robert can be made to Church of the Apostles, 1520 Bull Street, SC 29201 or to Chapin We Care, PO Box 491, Chapin, SC 29036.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at https://southcarolinacremation.com