John G. Turner

God called our dad, brother, uncle, and friend home to be with Him peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on the evening of March 31, 2025, after a brief illness. In the end, he fought long to stay, but when it was his time, it was the Lord’s call to finally rest.

John Gregory Turner, affectionately known as Snoop, Greg, or Gregnard, was born on September 2, 1953, to Eva Mattie Mae Turner and Joseph Turner in Syracuse, NY. John was the fifth of nine children. Early in his childhood, he enjoyed visits to Jefferson and Athens, GA, to see family. He loved the country life, such as taking care of livestock alongside his grandparents, which was quite different from living in a city. John eventually moved to Fresno, California, and lived in Georgia for over 30 years—a place he always called his happy place.

He loved God and going to church with his siblings in Georgia. In 2023, he relocated to Albany, NY, for his final years to bond with his children and grandchildren, where he joined Macedonia Baptist Church and gave his life to Christ. Even in his moments of trial, he maintained his unwavering faith in God.

John was educated in the Syracuse City School System. He graduated from Henniger High School in 1971 and continued his vocational education as a Sheetrock Metal Apprentice. He worked

Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice. He worked for various companies, installing heating and cooling systems on a large scale. Taught by his father to be a professional painter, he acquired skills throughout his life that made him an expert in general contracting, eventually becoming self-employed. He worked very hard and forged many friendly connections with both customers and colleagues.

He enjoyed music and playing instruments such as the bass guitar and drums. As a teenager, he played in a band with his younger brother, Charles Turner, and a few friends. He loved listening to jazz and gospel music. He also enjoyed jazz and gospel music. He also enjoyed attending church, cooking, spending time with his family, and caring for all of the family pet dogs: Babe, Barkley, Gem, Midnight, and Bellz.

He was loved and appreciated by many for his gentleness, charisma, and effortless humor. John lived, loved, and laughed. He ran the race of life—with its ups and downs, twists and turns—and in the end, he departed as a man of honor and stature.

John will be remembered and missed by all of his family and friends.

John is predeceased by his grandparents, his parents—Joseph and Eva Turner (Hunter), his brother Farrell Turner, his sister Donna Hunter, and his nephew Malik Turner.

He is survived by his siblings (from eldest to youngest): Joey Hunter, Frances Turner, Sherri Turner, Charles Turner, Karen Turner, and Christina Turner.

He is also survived by his children (from eldest to youngest): Semico Eaddy (with son-in-law Massiah Eaddy), Keya Turner, Natashia Turner, Iteashia Turner (with son-in-law Keevin Killikelly), and his son Gregory Turner; and by a special long-term friend, Melvett Burley, who is the mother to his children.

John had nine grandchildren—Takeima, Kyre, Masequa, Moravia, Precious, Amadi, Andre, Trinity, and JaNyve—and fifteen great-grandchildren: Governor, N’Wanje, Ni’Khaila, Eric Jr., Jaden, Jade, Truellz, Ana Leah, Gionna, Juellz, Morellz, Jia, King, Siroma, and Kyre Jr.; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

You will truly be missed. With our cherished memories, we will continue to keep your spirit and legacy alive. God will carry us through and heal our broken hearts!

Fly High, Daddy 🕊️

Our family would like to thank everyone who called, texted, sent cards of condolences, prayers, and encouragement!

Special thanks to Macedonia Baptist Church, Pastor Michael Aaron Poindexter, Pastor Elgin Taylor, New Comer Cremations and Funerals, and all those who assisted with the homegoing services.