George T. Turner

George, Turner, Jr. 79, of St. Petersburg died Saturday, April 26, 2003 He is best known as the former co-owner of Sunken Gardens, which is now an historical site owned by the city of St. Petersburg. His father, George Turner, Sr. in the early 1930?s, founded Sunken Gardens. It was under George Turner, Jr.?s direction that Sunken Gardens developed from a local gathering spot to an internationally known attraction where rare and exotic plants abounded, beds of flowering annuals lined the pathways, and landscaping as an art form was revered and exemplified. It was his horticultural expertise and business vision that were substantially responsible for the splendor, beauty, and success of the attraction in the 50?s, 60?s and early 70?s. He was born and raised in St. Petersburg, and graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1940. He worked briefly for Florida Power before volunteering for the military in 1941. He served in the 1st Army, 7th Corps, 51st Company as part of the Army Corps of Engineers, which built bridges and repaired roads. His tour of duty included England, France, Belgium, Germany and North Africa. While in France, he attended Officer?s Training and became a 1st Lieutenant. After the war he returned home to St. Petersburg where he continued working with his family at Sunken Gardens. He will be remembered as a man of character and integrity, and as loving father and devoted husband. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Joyce Turner, and 2 sons, Michael Turner of Alpharetta GA, and Scott Turner of Lehigh Acres, FL. 2 Daughters, Pam Turner of White River Junction, VT. And Kathy Lee of St. Petersburg and 1 Sister Joyce Erickson of Hagerstown, MD. And 8 Grandchildren. In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions to The Hospice Foundation of the Florida Suncoast. 300 E. Bay Drive, Largo, Fl 33770-9850