Legendary Coach, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Billy Turner, age 79 of Tampa, Florida, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer, on Friday June 9, 2017. He was surrounded by his family at home in North Tampa.
Billy was born on November 26, 1937 in Moulton, Alabama to Luther and Martha (Barnes) Turner. He moved to Auburndale, Florida in the second grade, where he grew up in a hard-working family including three brothers, Edward (deceased), Jack, (deceased) and Don (Sulligent, AL), and his sister Ruby (deceased).
A graduate of Auburndale High School, Billy was a star athlete, competing in four sports, including a two time state basketball championship team. He held the school record for the mile run and placed second in the state in his senior year. He went on to earn twelve collegiate letters, playing three sports at the University of Tampa. Billy would eventually return to his alma mater from 1973 to1975, in roles as Assistant Football Coach and Athletic Director. He is honored as a member of the University of Tampa Athletic Hall of Fame.
While attending The University of Tampa, Billy met the love of his life, Lucille (Lucy) Cabrera. They were married on November 24, 1960 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Billy would become ‘the son they never had’ to Lucy’s parents, Mario and Helen Cabrera. He learned to love Spanish food and he especially loved Helen’s black beans and boliche. Billy and Lucy would raise eight children, two boys and six girls. In the summer of 1970, they built a home on a beautiful acre of land in the Lake Magdalene area that would become the center of the Turner Family Universe for years to come.
Billy’s head coaching career began at Hillsborough High School in 1968 and ended 40 years later at Chamberlain High School. In 38 seasons, he led teams to 254 victories, making him the winningest High School Football Coach in Hillsborough County history. Through the course of his career as a Teacher and Football Coach, Billy was recognized with numerous awards and tributes. Chamberlain's field is named in his honor, as is the Coach of the Year Award presented annually by the National Football Foundation's Tampa chapter. But if you were to ask Billy, what was the greatest reward of all, he would tell you it was working with ‘kids’. Coach Turner drew great joy from mentoring and coaching kids. He saw the potential in each and every one of them and as such, he influenced thousands of lives. Even in his retirement, he continued to work as an Assistant Coach with his son Brian, sharing his love of football and his inspiring story of ‘never quit’.
Billy loved sports, and golf was one of his favorites. When he retired from coaching, he played as often as possible. He dreamed of the chance to go to the Masters and to play golf in Ireland. But more than sports, Billy Turner loved his family. His love for Lucy never waned, from that very first day they met to his very last breath. And Billy loved his children. He was a beacon of strength, a role model, and a best friend to them. Finally, Billy loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He spent his every spare moment attending their games, recitals, awards, and events. He was the epitome of a family man.
Billy will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Lucille (Cabrera), and his children, Tamara (John) Steele, Billy (Trish) Turner, Jr., Tianne (Dan) Doyle, Brian Turner, Tricia (Mike) McManus, Tiffany (Rob) Hudson, Taryn Turner, Tenille (Charles) Trigg, 20 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, mother-in-law Helen (Mendez) Cabrera, brother Don (Carol) Turner, Sister-in-law Karin Turner, and his many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass in memory of Billy will be celebrated on Friday, June 16, 10:30 a.m., at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 North Himes Avenue in Tampa, Florida, with Father Chuck Dornquast presiding.
To honor Billy, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Coach Billy Turner Scholarship Fund, Community Foundation Tampa Bay. https://www.cftampabay.org/coachbillyturner
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by His loving Family.
June 17, 2017
Coach Billy Turner. A great Coach. A really fine man.
Just a wonderful human being. Rest in Peace,
Mitchell Mick
June 16, 2017
Laurie Grantham
Coach Turner touched many lives and we are forever better because of him. My parents (Bob & Ada Jean) enjoyed supporting him as booster club members at CHS. My Dad still tells stories about that. My brother (Robbie -CHS c/o'81) played for Coach Turner and enjoyed his playing time with Coach Turner. My husband, Brian really admired Coach Turner, for his coaching style and more recently when they both were fighting cancer together. We lost Brian 2 years ago and I imagine that he and Coach Turner are swapping stories on the ultimate Heavenly playing field now. God Bless you Turner Family. Sending much Love - The Brian Grantham Family (Laurie - CHS c/o'87, Pierce & Wyattt)
June 16, 2017
ANTHONY HILLS
PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME.BEST FRIEND,COACH, AND MENTOR EVER!MAY GOD BLESS!
June 16, 2017
Class of 88
CHS Class of 1988 Greatest Coach of all times!
June 15, 2017
Friend
Emilio Diaz
Billy served as a great example of a loving Father, wonderful husband,great mentor and friend. He made a lot of difference in the lives of many people. I am very proud to say "I knew Billy Turner.
June 15, 2017
Monica Vess
May God be with all of you at this very difficult time, my sincerest condolences.
June 15, 2017
Debbie Wilson
Prayers for the family during this difficult time. Best Coach ever!
CHS c/0 80
June 15, 2017
Mary ann Billings
He was a great man and great coach at our time at chamberlain high school sending prayers for everyone
June 15, 2017
Julie Taylor
C/094 ..sorry for the lost.. I know he was a great person to be around ...everyone is right there I'll never be a wonderful ,great coach .. go chief's.he is also not suffering .. we will miss you so much ..
June 15, 2017
Julie Taylor (moll)
You will be missed .. you where always there and special coach.. know you are with my grandma in heaven .. let's keep the chiefs going ..
June 15, 2017
Kim Murfin Klepach
June 15, 2017
Carole Willimgham James
I am so sorry about Billy's passing. We were first cousins, as Billy's mother and my mother were sisters. It has been quite a while since I last saw Billy, however, all of the Turner family members had a place in my heart. They were all great people!! God bless your family. I send my love.
June 15, 2017
Shelby Dugan
Coach Turner is a legend! Loved and respected by so many. Thanks for the wonderful memories. There will never be another Coach Turner.
June 15, 2017
Linda Valdez Rodriguez
To the Turner Family:
I attended Hillsborough High School from 1968-1971 and remember a teacher and coach who was a man of integrity, honor, and dedication. We were lucky to have such a fine example steering us in the right direction. My prayers are with you as your pass through these difficult time.
June 14, 2017
johnny Harris
A great man,this world needs more coach Turner's.......
June 14, 2017
Ben Heugel
As a high school football referee for 35 years, I had the opportunity to work for Coach Turner many times, truly a favorite! I was always excited to see Chamberlain on my schedule because I knew we'd see a competitive game with great sportsmanship. As great Billy was as an athlete and a coach, I'll always remember him for the fine human being that he ways. A kind, generous and likable gentleman with values and character you admire. We will miss you Billy. Our hearts go out to the Turner family and the many friends!
June 14, 2017
Ken Bauer
Thanks Coach for all you have done!! Heaven awaits you!!
June 14, 2017
Robin Bubonic
Coach Turner played an important role in my son's life and so many more young men. He will be missed.
June 14, 2017
Tom Vann
Billy and Lucy was the All-American couple at the University of Tampa. Billy was a very sincere man with a lot of love to give everyone that he met. God Bless his memory and God Bless his entire family.
Tom Vann - U.T. 1961 and Tampa City Council - 1978-1988
June 13, 2017
Renee Mulder
I am so sad to hear of his passing! I never met him in person but knew of the special love he had for his wife and family and all the lives he touched as a coach/ mentor to many. May he rest in peace knowing he was loved by so many family and friends and that his spirit will live on in all of them! My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all his family!
June 13, 2017
I have been very blessed to sit at the dinner table with the turner family many times. what a class act, great coach, role model and family man. he certainly earned a place in heaven. God bless!
Jeff Kokocha
June 12, 2017
RIP BAILEY
Coach Turner was a great inspiration to me. It was my privilege and an honor to play for him at Hillsborough High School. He was so loved by those whose lives he touched....
Rip Bailey
June 12, 2017
Lane McLaughlin
Will miss you coach so glad you visited us at our Chamberlain game last fall. You were so encouraging when I got my first head coaching job I will never forget.
June 12, 2017
Dale Klay
Coach was my Track coach in '65' and I interned with him at Hillsborough in '69'. Later we spent many late nights visiting. Thanks Coach for sharing your wisdom and experience. May you rest in peace.
June 12, 2017
Tom Korun
To one of my all-time favorite HS coaches: Billy, you were an inspiration to so many young men for so many years. You made my days covering Tampa Bay Area HS football enjoyable and entertaining. I enjoyed our pre-practice conversations that covered a myriad of topics. Thank you.
June 11, 2017
Many thanks to Coach Billy Turner for his guidance and friendship over the past 54 years. He affected my life in so many ways! Goodbye and thanks again, Coach!
Gary Hallauer (UT 1964-1968)
June 11, 2017
Ken Weiss
We've known each other for over 30 years but bonded the last 10 years playing golf and trading coaching & life stories. I'll always remember our Sapphire Valley golf trip & all the Legonds breakfasts. Your fire is gone but your spark will live on.
Thank you Lucy for extending his life for those extra years. You are a phenomenal person.
Ken Weiss (lutz, Fl.)
June 11, 2017
June 11, 2017
June 11, 2017
Grant Bowlus
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Turner family. What a legend we have lost. Billy's legacy at the greatest high school in the country will go on forever! May God Bless all of you. "Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning"! Grant Bowlus (Class of 84)
June 11, 2017
Student
Ron Gillette
Great man , great coach and an inspiration to many!
June 11, 2017
paul goss
as a Coach of 42+ years myself , I THANK Coach for answering the Call of Christ to be a Coach and Invest and encourage thousands. I met Coach while on Jerry Durnins staff at King ,Coach Turner and Durnin had some Great teams and Competitions . I was there when King defeated the Chiefs and Coach Fired earl. But what i remember Most about Coach was His hours spent with FCA , Fellowship of Christian Athletes . Thanks Coach for pouring your life and Heart into so many Lives.
June 11, 2017
Mary Roberts
Turner family
you are in my thoughts and in my prayers, I was c/0 85
may God Bless your family
Mary Roberts
June 10, 2017
Charles Lake
Billy Turner was my high school friend. We were class mates. I was his center on the football team, we ran track together and I saw every basketball game he played except one. Also made the trip from UF to Lakeland to watch him play FSC a couple of times.
We did get to visit a few times after high school and I cherish our visit at the Auburndale reunion a year ago.
It is not a shock as I knew he was very sick. He will suffer no more. Even so he will be missed greatly.
June 10, 2017
Bob & Loriann Sajovetz
Billy was one of the finest people we have had the honor of knowing. He is an inspiration to us in so many ways, as he walked his talk. We are grateful also for the lovely family he created with Lucy and are blessed to be able to consider them our family as well.
Our hearts are with you all. God Bless.
June 10, 2017
Donna Sell
Tiffany and Family,
We were saddened to hear about the passing of your Dad and Grandfather. Keeping you all in our prayers. The Sell Family
June 10, 2017
Reed Williams
My prayers and thoughts are with the Turner Family. I knew Coach Turner thru officiating football, in fact my very first varsity game was Chamberlain vs East Bay. I couldn't imagine having to work a game with Coach Turner. He knew I was a rookie and boy did he let me know it. Coach Turner was never nasty to officials but he made sure you worked a good game. It was an honor to work a Chamberlain game.
When I became a referee and officiated my first Chamberlain game as a white hat the first thing Coach Turner said to me was "Congratulations, well deserved". I never forgot that. Coach Turner is a legend and I am so proud that West Coast Officials honored him last year with a gold whistle award. Quite an honor when you consider that the award is usually reserved for officials.
June 10, 2017
Irene LaRussa
June 10, 2017
Ron Tecza
Billy was undoubtedly one of the BEST ATHLETES to come out of the University of Tampa! I was honored to be his Center while he was Capt. of the
UT football team. A dedicated family man who molded many young athletes thru the years. We ALL will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace, Billy...you put up a great fight.
June 10, 2017
Mike Dewell
Although I played for Coach Turner more than 30-years ago. The values he instilled in me then carry with me to this day. I am a far better man for the having the privilege of knowing him. RIP
Mike Dewell class of 1982
June 10, 2017
Billy was a hero. He was my basketball coach my senior year in high school. He was one great guy.
Dave Harner
Winter Haven, FL
June 10, 2017
As a football official for 27 years, I can say without reservation, that Coach Turner was one the classiest coaches (and person) I have ever had the pleasure of working with. May he rest in peace.
Marty Palenik
June 9, 2017
Johnny Felicione
Hats Off to You, Billy Turner. You were the best "all 'round" athlete I ever knew. It was a privilege to play on your team at UT and the Blazers. RIP my friend.
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Funeral services provided by:
Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Carrollwood3207 W BEARSS AVE, Tampa, FL 33618
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