Turner Lee McDonald Jr.,  77, passed away on February 14, 2025, in Palm Bay, Florida in the loving company of his wife, children and eldest grandchild.  Turner will be fondly remembered most fundamentally as the consummate family man, a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Mary Beatty McDonald, and someone who delighted in spending time with his children and grandchildren. Turner will be remembered for his loving nature, generosity, humor, compassion, integrity, and dependability. These qualities defined his relationships with family and friends and left a lasting impression on all who knew him.   

Born on March 9, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama, Turner held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Birmingham-Southern College and a Masters degree in finance from Samford University.  His career in the transportation industry was distinguished and impactful. He served as Vice President of Transportation Consultants Incorporated of Atlanta, GA and held the role of General Manager at the Thermo King Corporation in both Atlanta, GA and Philadelphia, PA. In addition to his responsibilities as General Manager, Turner also served as the Executive Vice President of Central States Thermo King and as the President of the Thermo King Dealer Advisory Council.  

Beyond his professional achievements, Turner was a man of deep faith. A devoted follower of Christ, he took on leadership roles in multiple congregations throughout his life. His commitment to service extended beyond the church as well, as he proudly served in the Alabama Air National Guard, as well as serving on the board of directors at several educational and civic organizations.  

A lifelong fan of University of Alabama athletics, Turner was fond of greeting other supporters with a hearty “Roll Tide” and particularly enjoyed attending Crimson Tide football games and watching the team’s contests on television with family and friends. While his professional life required long hours on the road and in the office, Turner offset those demands by engaging in his favorite leisure activity of choice, spending long afternoons on the beach with his family.  

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Beatty McDonald, son Brian McDonald and daughter-in-law Anne Turcea; his daughter Ashley McDonald Sovereign and son-in-law Greg Sovereign; his daughter Mary Anne McDonald Newlin and son-in-law Christopher Newlin; grandchildren Madelyn McDonald (David Wilson), Wynn McDonald, Lucinda Evces, Theodore McDonald, Caedmon Sovereign, Abigail Sovereign, Cole Sovereign, Carter Newlin, Drew Newlin, Langley Newlin; great-grandchildren Cole Wilson and Norah Wilson; and his sister Deborah McDonald Lange (Rocky Lange).    

Turner was preceded in death by his parents, Turner Lee McDonald Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Hight McDonald, and Lacey Grace Sovereign, his granddaughter.  

His legacy of generosity, faithfulness, kindness, and unwavering support for those around him will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. While he will be considerably missed and deeply mourned by his family and friends left behind, we take comfort in the knowledge that the Lord’s good and faithful servant will spend eternity in the loving care of his Savior Jesus Christ.