Ronald Emerson Turner

On Saturday, February 10, 2024, Ronald Emerson Turner, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, brother-in-law, father-in-law, and friend departed this life. Ronald's journey began at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC on October 11, 1949, as the second child of Emerson and Lorraine Turner. From a young age, Ronald devoted himself to the Lord, first joining John Wesley AME Church by baptism and then later joining Shiloh Baptist Church by Christian experience. Ronald, a product of the DC Public Schools, attended Stevens Elementary until his family moved to the Brightwood neighborhood, where he completed his elementary education at Brightwood Elementary School. He attended Paul Jr. High and completed his high school education, attending and graduating from Coolidge High School in 1968. Ronald spent his summers and after-school hours at the Fort Stevens Playground where he met many of his lifelong friends. When he became of work age, he was employed as a playground assistant, by the DC Department of Recreation. He loved this job which gave him many opportunities to work, play, teach, mentor, and positively influence many young people, his age and younger. After high school, Ronald attended Montgomery Jr. College in Takoma Park, MD where he met the love of his life, Joan Nesmith. Their union was sealed on January 13, 1973, marking the first wedding ceremony officiated by the late Rev. Henry C. Gregory upon becoming Senior Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church. After seven years of marriage and many tries, Ronald and Joan gave birth to their first son DeRon Lamar followed by the birth of their second son Derric LeVaughn, two years and two months later. Their sons were the loves of their life. Ronald was so proud of becoming a dad. DeRon and Derric were his joy and he ensured their lives were instilled with morals, values, education, work ethics, and religious beliefs. The fruit of his labor can be seen in what outstanding young men they are today! In 1974, Ronald began his career as a bus operator with the DC Transit Company, now known as Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority. He was a bus operator until the Metro rail system opened its first subway train lines. He was among some of the first class of drivers trained to operate the subway rail car. His dedication to the honor of being accepted to subway rail training classes and willingness to learn allowed him to become very proficient in train operating procedures. Even after retiring in 2008, Ronald remained active with part-time endeavors, notably assisting others in automobile purchases. He established RonTurner Associates and became well known at numerous dealerships throughout the DMV. His expertise and love for cars shone through in every interaction–he really knew how to work car purchases to benefit the customer! Ronald loved anything that had to do with cars, leading him to also become a limousine driver for Admiral Limos in his spare time. This well-respected company serviced the White House on many occasions when the President would host guests to entertain. Ronald escorted many high-profile clients like Jay Leno, Janelle Monet, Joss Stone, Kevin Hart, and George Lopez just to name a few. Even if they may not have wanted to talk, Ronald would find a way to engage them in conversation, and before they knew it, they would be talking like old acquaintances. As an active member of the 1968 Class of Coolidge Alumni, Ronald was part of the team that helped plan the many reunions that brought classmates together for memorable occasions. Ronald had a zest for life and also loved traveling, frequently attending car shows that were held all over the United States. Ronald's love for storytelling was well-known. He loved to converse with others, and would always have a story about something, especially cars. He admired sports cars and owned several Chevy Corvettes, including his prized burgundy 40th Anniversary Edition. Whether you called him Ronald, Ron, Ronnie, Turn, Turner, RT, Pops, Daddy, PaPa, Grandpa, Uncle Ronald, c-Moore, World Book, or many other names, that he was known by… all that knew him, knew that he would do anything to help anyone. He would stop at nothing to help anyone in need. He was a friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and respectful gentleman who loved the LORD, his family and friends, and cars! Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Emerson and Lorraine Turner, Sister Barbara Henry, and Daughter-in-law, Nicole Lee Turner. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, his loving wife of 51 years, Joan Nesmith Turner, and two sons DeRon L. Turner (Katherine) and Derric L. Turner; a 103 year old Aunt Luvenia Payton; six grandchildren, Khole, Kwynn, Nora, DeRon Jr. Nolan, and Kruse; a brother Bernard Turner (Illena); Sister-in-Law Joyce NeSmith Nixon; Brother-in-law Wes Henry and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and many other loving relatives and friends. Ronald leaves behind a legacy of compassion and warmth that will be deeply missed.