Obituary: Collie Dean Turner

Collie Dean Turner, 89, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away on Aug. 4, 2021. He was born in Colquitt, Georgia, on April 5, 1932.

Collie moved with his family to Ocoee, Florida, at the age of 8 in 1940. He graduated from Ocoee High School, where he played football and basketball. He was proud of being the President of his Senior Class.

After high school, Collie entered the United States Navy, where he served during the Korean Conflict as a Signal Man on the USS Laffey. He had the distinction of earning a commendation for participating in the longest ship-to-shore battle of the conflict.

After leaving the Navy, he went to work for Continental Can Company. Over the years, he worked his way up to being the Plant Manager, where he managed his team to consistently be one of the best performing plants in the company. After multiple company acquisitions, he continued his performance at that same Winter Garden plant with Citrus Central, then Crown Cork and Seal. He retired in 2003 after 49 years of service.

Collie met the love of his life, Effie Jo Efurd, in 1953, and they were married that same year. They celebrated 68 wonderful years together.

Collie was a devoted Christian and member of the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden for over 30 years. He served as a church Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. In his life, his faith in God was first and his family came a close second. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and mentor.

Collie is survived by his loving wife, Effie Jo Turner; his children, Terri (Joe) Morabito and Craig Turner;  his grandchildren, Trey Morabito, Lisa Petersen, Drew Turner, Kyle Turner and Danielle Jones; and his nine great-grandchildren.

Collie believed in sharing his faith in Jesus and through this, he helped numerous people throughout his life in many ways that may never be fully known.

Funeral services for Collie will be Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, at the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.  The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. with the funeral service to begin at 2 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Gotha, Florida. Arrangements entrusted to Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, East Orlando Chapel. www.newcomerorlando.com.