DALTON, Ga. – Mercer University Life Trustee Jackson P. (Jack) Turner Jr. died early today at the age of 89. His funeral will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Dalton, with visitation preceding from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the church atrium.
A committed and generous supporter of the University, Turner served three terms as a trustee, including serving as chair of the board from 1998 to 2000. He was elected as a Life Trustee in 2012.
“Jack was a quiet leader who was highly respected by his fellow trustees and by his community,” said Mercer President William D. Underwood. “He served Mercer University with distinction and great devotion. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact he had on the University through the years.”
Turner was born on Oct. 28, 1924. He was employed by Cabin Crafts Inc. (later the Carpet & Rug Division of West Pepperell Inc.) for 20 years, during which he served in various capacities, including treasurer, executive vice president, president, and director of West Point-Pepperell Inc.
He also served as chairman and director of The First National Bank of Dalton; chairman of The Bank of Dalton; director of First Union National Bank of Georgia; and a financial consultant to the Dalton/Whitfield Bank & Trust Company.
He was chairman of the Dalton College Foundation Inc.; president of the Dalton-Whitfield County Chamber of Commerce; president of The Carpet & Rug Institute; and chairman of the Georgia Ports Authority.
A past trustee of Shorter College, Turner was inducted into the Dalton Education Hall of Fame in 1994.
He was chairman of the board of CC Financial Inc.; chairman and board member of Hamilton Health Care System Inc.; and a trustee of Hamilton Medical Center Inc. He was a life associate and chairman of the Hamilton Healthcare Foundation Inc., and chairman of the Dalton-Whitfield County Hospital Authority. He was active in the Georgia Hospital Association, including a term as chairman.
Turner received the Distinguished Service Award from the Georgia Hospital Association in 1978. He served in the House of Delegates of the American Hospital Association, and was also a member of the Regional Policy Board for Region 4 of the association.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Dalton.
