William G. Turney 1943-2025

Born on the Fourth of July, 1943, Bill was always a firecracker. The phrase “the man, the myth, the legend” doesn’t even begin to do him justice.

After graduating from Liberty High School in 1961, Bill served in the U.S. Army where he became fascinated with skydiving, becoming a Jumpmaster and completing over 500 jumps. He enjoyed all things related to motorcycles, competing in motocross in his younger years and still riding street bikes into his 70s.

Though nothing made him happier than spending time with his wife and kids, his hobbies included bicycling, camping, canoeing, history, reading, rock n’ roll music, playing cards, trivia and participating in a variety of sports.

The ultimate girl dad, he coached his daughters in basketball and softball in the Mathews and Liberty communities, earning recognition as “Coach of the Year” and “Man of the Year” from the Liberty Township Baseball and Softball Association. Years later, the proud papa could be found cheering on his grandson as he carried on the athletic legacy at Medina Highland. And, if you are ever visiting Athens, Ohio, if you listen closely, you may hear the bricks on Court Street whispering about the tales of Bill during many OU Dad’s Weekends, Shuffles and Graduation celebrations (and please have a shot of tequila in his honor while you are there!).

Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his loving wife, Shirley; daughters, Tia (Bill) Buzzard and Terrie (Dustin) Turney-Spain; grandchildren, Jack and Ronnie; siblings, Ron (Jeannie) Turney, Daren VanSteenberg and Ginny Webb; a large extended family, and life-long friends, Tom Figinsky and Chuck (Maureen) Cook who supported Bill and his family until the very end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Virginia Turney; and siblings, Bob, Craig and Howard Leeson.

Following Bill’s wishes there will be no services.

If you wish to honor him, please consider a memorial donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at the link below or to a youth sports organization of your choice. Michael J. Fox Foundation Tribute Page for Bill Turney: http://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3206&np=tru

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444; 330-872-5440.

Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com

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