Turner Smith Jr.

Turner Smith Jr, was born in Cleveland Ohio February 24th to Julia & Turner Smith Sr. He attended and graduated from John Hay High School. He went on to work for Ohio Bell (eventually became AT&T) where he was the one of the first blacks to become an installer and was instrumental in paving the way for other blacks to become installers. He then was among the first group of blacks to be promoted into a management position and additionally served as a credit union rep at Ohio Bell.

Turner had a love for sports and was active in Little League baseball where he managed a team for 4 years; he also was the league treasure for 2 years. One of his best baseball stories, however, was when he was a vendor at Municipal stadium and witness Satchel Paige striking out Jackie Robinson.

In 1958, he married Louise White and to this union three children were born Ronald, Randy and Roselyn. He confessed to his life to Christ in 1961 and joined Gethsemanie Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school. N 1987 he joined Mt. Sinai Baptist Church where he attended as a child growing up.

He was active in neighborhoods as a volunteer organizer helping to form a street club and becoming a trustee in his community. He acquired many skills in his life as he was enrolled in many courses such as electricity, house wiring, real estate, plumbing and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He joined Church of the Master in 1998 and worked in several capacities such as usher, building manager, grounds keeper, board member and eventually Board President for 8 years. He was honored and elected as a lifetime Deacon. He was the co-founder of the SAMS (Share A Meal) Ministry with his wife which serves home cooked meals to whoever was in need of a meal.
He was also a member of the Saint Vincent De-Paul Society a catholic organization who served the poor and needy.