Simon John Turman's Obituary
Simon J. Turmon “SJ/Uncle Sam” It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember Simon J. Turman, affectionately known as “SJ/Uncle Sam” began his journey in Eutaw, Greene County, Alabama on May 16, 1923. He was born to the late Harvey Coleman and Minnie Mae Gandy Turman. SJ’s siblings who preceded him in death included his brother: Henry Turman and sisters: Lula Mae Hayes, Olivia Fulgham and Ruby Davis. SJ dedicated his life to Christ at an early age at his family church, Beulah Baptist Church; and in his later years he rededicated his life to Christ at his home in Detroit, Michigan under the leadership of Pastor Debirley Porter, Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church. SJ’s mother and grandmother Mollie Pearson (deceased) supported him and his four siblings on a small rural farm through flood, blight and the Great Depression. In 1940 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corporation (CCC), underage at seventeen, to support his family. He served in Camp 3480-C Roanoke, and SCS-21 Monroeville, rising to the rank of leader and receiving Field Medic training. SJ served honorably in World War II, the Pacific Rim and in Japan as an Army Field Medic. He worked and retired as a Senior Quality Control Inspector from Trenton Engine Plant, Chrysler Corporation with over 30 years of service. SJ married Lula Mae Williams on June 6, 1989 in Detroit, Michigan. They shared 30 happy years of marriage together in true love and enjoyed family gatherings, cookouts and Alabama travels. He had a nearly photographic memory and a lifelong interest in history, baseball and enjoyment of music, especially blues and jazz. He was a terrific jitterbug dancer in his youth. He became an extraordinary car mechanic later in his life; he read extensively on the Civil War, visited most battlefields and many historic sites. SJ ended his journey in making his transition from his earthly life to his eternal life in Heaven on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the Community Living Center, John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. Simon J. Turmon leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and dedicated wife, Lula Mae; five brother-in-laws, Lamar Davis, Sr., Johnny (Georgia) Fells, Joe (Odessa) Fells, King (Augusta) Fells (all of Birmingham, Alabama), Albert (Donna) Fells (Detroit, Michigan); four sister-in-laws, Willie Turman (Hillside, Michigan), Eulalia Fells, Eloise Wallace and Mary Fells (all of Birmingham, Alabama) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances.
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