Michael Dwain Turner, 65, of Quitman, passed away on October 9, 2026. He was born on September 11, 1961, in Dallas, Texas, to Max Moreland Turner and Gailya Ann (Cornelius) Turner.

Michael moved to Quitman with his family when he was in the third grade and graduated from Quitman High School in 1980. Following graduation, he began serving his community as a dispatcher for the Wood County Sheriff's Office before becoming a police officer with the Winnsboro Police Department. He later worked in emergency medical services with the Wood County Central Hospital District. On December 31, 1982, he married Janet Coats in Quitman at his parents house. Michael went on to work for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for 30 years before retiring. Never one to sit still, he continued working various jobs throughout his retirement, including positions at S&L Furniture, True Value, and Brookshire's.

In his younger years, Michael attended Hubbard Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as song leader. He also shared his love of music as a member of the gospel quartet Perfect Harmony, traveling to different churches to sing. He gave his time to the Quitman Volunteer Fire Department during the 1980s and was a member of the Scenic Association. Michael enjoyed rebuilding and restoring cars and trucks, working cattle, and spending time on his tractor shredding. A true animal lover, he especially loved Labrador retrievers, raising several over the years. He also had quite the sweet tooth and never passed up a chance to enjoy a piece of cake or a handful of candy.

Above all else, Michael was a devoted family man who loved his family with his whole heart. He was involved in every aspect of his children's lives and rarely missed an opportunity to support them. His home was always open to his children's friends, and it wasn't unusual for the house to be full of kids who were welcomed and treated like family. When his children were younger, he especially enjoyed family camping trips to Lake Hawkins, where he loved taking the boat out to fish and pulling the kids around the lake on tubes. Michael and Janet were dedicated supporters of the Quitman FFA and Quitman Proud Blue Band, spending countless hours working concession stands and pulling the instrument trailer to football games and marching contests. To Michael, the band members were like an extension of his own family, and he treated each of them as if they were his own. Whether it was a sporting event, UIL competition, or one-act play, Michael could always be counted on to show up and cheer on his kids.

When his grandson, Elijah, came along, Michael found a whole new reason to smile. Elijah quickly became the light of his life, and nothing made him happier than spending time with him or watching him play baseball. Of all the roles Michael held throughout his life, being Elijah's Pawpaw was undoubtedly his favorite.

Michael will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his willingness to lend a hand, and, most importantly, the love and dedication he showed his family. He was happiest when he was surrounded by the people he loved, supporting them in whatever they set out to do.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Gailya Turner; maternal grandparents, Bryan and Lorene Cornelius; and paternal grandparents, Homer and Maurice Turner.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Janet Turner of Quitman; son, Christopher Turner and wife Mishea of Quitman; daughter, Lacey Turner and husband Michael of Quitman; grandson, Elijah Turner; sisters, Misti Nichols of Quitman and Mindi Turner of Sulphur Springs; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Funeral service for Michael will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations with Brother Fred Morrow officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Elijah Turner, Carson Turner, Rusty Lawhorn, Austin Milbourn, Tyler Ellison, and Jeremy Ragsdale.