Alfred “Butchy” Turner was a graphic designer.
Turner died June 14, 2012. He was 59.
He was born Sept. 6, 1952, in Philadelphia to the late Odessa and Alfred P. Turner. Turner was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system and graduated from Bartram High School in 1970. He later earned a degree in graphic arts from the Hussian School of Art.
He was baptized on April 14, 1963, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Turner married the former Natalie Williams on June 6, 2004. Their marriage exemplified the term “equally yoked.”
He continued perfecting his artistic skills, which eventually led him to start and build his own business, A. Turner Designs. For many years he performed marketing, graphic design and event planning work at Philadanco and was instrumental in the growth and development of the company.
Turner designed and performed layout work on the Solid Gold Hair magazine, a staple in Black salons. His business continued to grow and he obtained a number of exceptional clients that included Will Downing Jr., Art Jazz Gallery and newspapers New Observer, Philadelphia Tribune, Neighborhood Leader and the Black Professional Network. Philadelphia Magazine and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services also sought Turner out for his excellent and innovative graphic design work.
Turner received the Appreciation for the “Hottest” Logo Award from the Fast and Furious Bike Club and the PRAME Award for the Color of Creativity Entertainment Billboard.
He was a member of Bible Way Baptist Church and served in many ministries including New Members Ministry, Angel Tree which serves children of incarcerated parents, Gifts of God Ministry which fed the homeless, and Tract Ministry which tells people about Jesus Christ and distributes Bibles. He also supported the church on numerous art projects.
Turner attended Philadelphia New Life Bible Institute and Bible Way Baptist Church Evangelical Training Institute. In 2008, Turner and his wife, Natalie, performed missionary service in Guatemala while helping build a facility. He continued his service in Guatemala in 2010, sealing lasting friendships.
Turner was a born leader. He served as president of the Philadelphia Organization of Black Designers and was the block captain of the 54th Street Block Club (1200 block.)
His family said he impacted many lives, and was a true and loyal friend and mentor to many. He had a heart of gold, loved his music and barbecuing and yahooing with friends and family. He was a social person who led a colorful and active life. He kept a beautiful, perfect smile on his face, his family said. Turner’s family said he provided a safe haven for many friends, helping those who were down and supported them until they became whole.
In addition to his wife, Turner is survived by his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hankins; nephews, Maurice Williams Jr. and Antonio D. Green; niece, Myesha Williams of Baltimore, Md.; godchildren, Lauren C. Burgee, Shannon L. Pringle, Ryan M. Pringle, Andrea K. McCutcheon, Nicole E. McCutcheon, Gaia Hearns, Zephania P. Thomas, Naudia V. Thomas and R.J. Laurie; as well as other relatives and friends.
Services are pending.
Ivan B. Kimble Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
