Bryon Douglas Turner Sr. was born October 29, 1954 in Cleveland, Ohio to Richard and Pauline Turner who preceded him in death.

Bryon graduated from Glenville High School while living with Aunt Theresa Graham to work with Willie Moore in his grocery store in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. At his mother’s encouragement, Bryon relocated to Washington DC, to live with his Uncle Robert. While living there, he worked in the Park Service. His bond with Uncles Robert and Vincent Deforest grew along with his love for gardening and landscaping. Upon returning to Ohio he worked with his father at Hendershot and Smith Company. He continued his work at Hillside/Dairyman’s Dairy Company, retiring in 2019.

Bryon enjoyed attending political events along with his beloved mother and friend where he gained political awareness and civic duty. He also hung out with his mom at ringside fights and wrestling matches. He was an avid sports fan, enjoying any kind of sporting event he was engaged in at the time, hating to be disturbed! Bryon was the ‘host’ of multiple family and friend events. Cooking was his forte’ and everyone complimented his culinary skills. Likewise, he received praise on his spectacular yardwork. He was the ‘unofficial’ street captain and conversed with his neighbors about civic issues. Being in his yard was a delight.

Bryon and Gale met on a blind date on January 15, 2010 fostered by Wayne Spencer lifelong friend of Bryon’s and Karen (Floyd) Rice, Glenville/Antioch. After attending another event with friends, Bryon a constant in her life. His friends in the Glenville Class of 1973 became her friends and family. Their lives came full circle on July 7, 2013 when they married. To this union, Bryon gained two daughters, Leandria (Charles) and Imani, four grandsons, Isaiah, Harlem, Amari and Aiden. Papa loved his grandsons and said that they gave him the greatest love and purpose in his life.

Bryon and Gale stated that the love of family was the cement that held them together. Bryon was the father of one son, Bryon Turner Jr. (BJ). Bryon was blessed with the Link/Woods families as a constant love in his life. He gained another father and mother, William and Mozetta Woods (Dad and Ma) when he married Gale. Two sisters were added in Janis (Andrew) Knox and Kenya (Joseph) Cooper and a brother, Dwayne Palmer.

His Mother’s DeForest family is paramount their lives, especially Uncle Vincent whom just became 90 years old in March. His favorite cousins include Ricci DeForest (Cleveland) and Alisha DeForest (D,C.) who were like a sister and brother.

A brother and sister Ricky Turner and Valerie Vaught preceded him in death. His remaining siblings include Lela (Doll) Spencer, (James Spencer), Debbie Turner, Freddy Turner, Butchie Turner and Vincent Huston as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. His chosen BFF/brothers over the years were Wayne and Ronald Spencer, Billy Bethea, Harold Johns and Charles Shaw.

Bryon’s hardy laugh and sense of will be sorely missed. He had a heart of gold for children and so many called him ‘Uncle Brian’, related or not.