October 15, 2023, 81, Seven Springs/Mount Olive —

Matthew Davis Turner, known to all as M. D. Turner, a lifelong resident of the Seven Springs/Mount Olive areas, passed away early Sunday morning, October 15, 2023, while at Wayne UNC Healthcare.

Turner, 81, was revered as being a master mechanic.  His mechanical skills were first put to use at Lenoir Oxygen and Supply in Kinston, followed by employment at the David Brown tractor dealership in Mount Olive, which later became Turner Tractor Repair.  Turner then became a partner in a boat dealership, and from there, he opened his own boating engine repair shop at his home.  In later years, this shop transitioned into building and repairing computer systems.

Known for his astute love for fishing, either on the deep sea or at Cabin Lake in Duplin, he also enjoyed auto racing which he watched from television, and in earlier years, curbside at the Kinston Dragstrip.

Turner is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha Hall Turner, of the home, known to many as “Martha T.;” a grandson, Blake Turner of Goldsboro, a granddaughter, Devin Turner of La Grange, and their mother, Ella Turner, of Mount Olive; a great-grandchild, Brooklyn Turner; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Patricia Turner of Mount Olive; several nieces, nephews, and their families.  Also surviving is his beloved dog whose name is Blackie.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Lee Turner; his father, Ben Southerland Turner; his mother, Belle Price Turner Underhill; and his step-father, Russell Underhill.

A service in which to remember the life of M. D. Turner will be Thursday, October 19, at 7 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home and will be officiated by the Rev. Jeff Dail, with a time of visitation following. 

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Turner requests that memorial gifts be made to
Mount Olive Pentecostal Holiness Church
130 Ed Edmundson Road
Mount Olive, NC 28365