20 Oct 2019 Person of the Month: Henry L. Turner

Posted at 8:56 PMh in Neighbors by
The South Conway County School District recently recognized former principal Henry Turner for his service to the district. He also served two years with the U. S. Navy as an aviation radioman on a SB2C Helldiver. “I trained to go aboard the aircraft carrier Midway 1944-1946,” he said. “Since retiring, my wife and I have been to 50 states, five continents and over 25 countries.”

City: Morrilton.

Work: Retired principal at North Side Elementary School in Morrilton (1972-1989); high school principal in Des Arc (1968-1972); and coached mostly basketball in Arkansas and Texas.

Why did you decide to go into education: I love working with young people. I loved coaching all sports. I think I was meant to be an elementary school teacher. 

Community activities: Coached elementary basketball and Little League baseball.

Church activities: I used to sing in the choir. My wife is a retired Methodist minister. 

Family: Wife – the Rev. Beth Turner; Children – Paul, Jane, Hank and Cone (all graduated from college); and grandchildren – Hunter, Sierra and Dakota

Education: Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) – 1951. College of the Ozarks (now University of the Ozarks) – 1946-47 (played football and basketball; theater); Warren High School – 1943 (played football and basketball; theater).

Most cherished possession: My wife, children and grandchildren.

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Ballgames at Morrilton High School, UCA, Arkansas Tech, Hendrix College and the University of Arkansas; golf; and camping at state parks all over Arkansas.

Favorite place in Arkansas: I love the Ozark and Ouachita mountains and the beautiful lakes.

What do you love about living in the 501?  I love all the people, the beauty of the mountains and the lakes, and the music and sporting events.