Richmond Turner Jr.

Sergeant Major Richmond Turner Jr., 81, of Benicia, CA, passed away peacefully Saturday at his home in Benicia. Richmond Turner Jr. was born April 8, 1939 to Richmond and Aletha Turner in Chicago, Illinois. For most of his life, he lived in San Francisco, CA where he graduated from Polytechnic High School and attended City College of San Francisco for two years. He accepted Christ at an early age and united with Neighborhood Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and a member of the choir and male chorus. On September 9, 1973, Richmond married Annie Lee and in 1989, the couple relocated to Benicia, CA. Richmondʼs service and work ethic was unparalleled. He served his country in the Army Reserve for 39 years and was a dedicated United States Postal Service worker for more than 42 years. “Papa Rich”, “Bug,” “Turnip Greens” as he was affectionately known by his family, believed in and loved the local church. Over the years, he was a member of Revival Center Ministries (Vallejo), Lighthouse Covenant Fellowship (Benicia), New Birth Church (Pittsburg) and Cityscape Church (Vallejo). Papa Rich enjoyed food and desserts of all kinds...apple pie ala mode was his absolute favorite. Papa Rich was a stellar grill master who enjoyed swimming, music and spending time outdoors. His Chi-town style of dress was always the topic of discussion. Richmond was a sports enthusiast and for a period of time, he was an assistant coach for the Benicia Panthers Youth Football Team. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. Richmond was a wise, humble, gentle giant who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Richmond is survived by his wife of 46 years Annie, his children: Kevin, Kraig, Kimberly & Dr. Karla Allen, and grafted in daughters Denise and Patricia Nickolas. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters, Lana Benjamin and Elizabeth Brown; brothers-in-law Jerone (Cynthia) and Peter (Jean) Williams; grandchildren, Teddy (Genesis) Allen, Lauren Adams, Dr. Ryan (Xavia) Adams, Jillian Adams, Brittany and Cynnamon Allen, Rashad Hanif, Christian and CJ Nickolas; his great- grandchildren, Ellah, Livee, and Ivy Allen, Jaylen and Bryce Adams, Julian Khali, Blayke Allen-George, Zaryah and ZaʼNia Hanif; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews (grand and great), his Cityscape Church Family and countless friends. Graveside services with Military Honors are scheduled for a later date at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, CA.

Richmond Turner Jr.

April 8, 1939 - April 18, 2020