West Springfield – Joseph M. Turner III passed away unexpectedly with loving family by his side on April 20 in Dawsonville, GA. He was 78 years old. Born in Atlanta, GA, he was one of two sons born to the late Joseph Turner II and his wife Lucille (Powers) Turner. Joe was raised in GA and came to MA when he was stationed at Westover Air Force Base from 1968-72. He met the love of his life Sharon Paige during this time. They were married in 1970 and were stationed in Guam for a year before settling in West Springfield.

Right out of high school Joe went to Dekalb Tech and earned his Mechanics degree, he was a mechanic all his life and was able to fix anything. Joe was also a Westover Firefighter for 20 years. He was an auto enthusiast. Although he owned many cars throughout his life, he was especially devoted to Chevrolets, most notably his 1965 Electric Blue Chevelle. If you knew Joe, you knew he had witty jokes and a wonderful sense of humor. He especially loved to engage with his Grandchildren and make them laugh. He was unassuming but once you got to know him, he was a friend for life.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his devoted wife Sharon this past January. He leaves his brother James Turner and his wife Carole Turner. He will be deeply missed by his daughters Wendy Browning and her husband Stephen of West Springfield, and Carla Tacke and her husband Andrew of Huntington. He also will be deeply missed by his Grandchildren, Natalie & Christopher Jones and Ryan & Ashley Tacke.

There will be a Memorial Visitation at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME from 8:30-9:30am on May 8 followed by a 10am Committal Service at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s name to the Western Mass Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous, https://westernmassaa.org/suggested-contributions.