Byron Keith Turner Jr., was born on June 16, 1972, to Byron Keith Turner Sr. & Bonnie L. Gilliam in Havre de Grace, MD. He departed this life on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Byron, affectionately known as "B", "Big B", "Heavy" & "Kool Aid", received his education in the Harford County Public School System where he graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1991. There he excelled in football and earned a four year scholarship to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he helped to lead the "Thundering Herds" to a NCAA Division I-AA National Championship in 1992. This victory solidified Marshall's stance as one of the top Division I-AA programs in the nation under Coach Jim Donnan and helped jumpstart the "Herds" ascension into Division I. "Heavy" grew up playing sports for Harford County Parks & Recreation where he developed a passion for football. He was known as a "big brother" to everyone in the neighborhood because he was one to bring about and make peace, "peacemaker", amongst everybody whether it was through rationalization or cracking jokes. Byron gave everyone he came to know a nickname, one that was certain to bring a smile to your face. As a youth, he became a member of the Little Lights Choir at Gospel Tabernacle in Havre de Grace, MD, where his grandmother, Mrs. Anna Grace Turner, first introduced him to the Lord. Byron later, as an adult, joined New Hope Baptist Church in BelAir, MD. Growing up he was loved by all who came to know him. He was known to everyone as a humble, very loving and caring person who loved his family and friends. Byron also loved to cook-outside of his own kitchen you were likely to find him in yours or on the grill. Byron received his Bachelor's in Education in 2007 from Marshall University. He went on to work at the Arc as a Counselor where he cared for disabled & mentally challenged individuals and as a Security Guard at the Holiday Inn. He desired to teach, therefore, had plans to return to school to earn his Master's in Education. In addition to teaching, he often dreamt of becoming a Head Football Coach so that he could give back to the game he loved so much. From the moment Byron learned of his failing health in the summer of 2007 until his untimely departure he never once complained, through it all he kept a smile on his face and remained strong. He was more concerned about the well-being of those who were worried about him and his need for a heart & lungs. The strength he displayed through his pain & struggles inspired those who loved him. Byron leaves to cherish his loving memories: father, Byron Keith Turner Sr.(Tina); mother, Bonnie L. Gilliam; son, Byron Keith Turner III; daughter, Alexandria Turner; brother, Adric D. Turner Sr.(Nicki); grandmother, Hazel "Nanna" Gilliam ; aunts, Mary Callender of Edgewood, MD, Candace Jones of Aberdeen, MD; nieces, Amani Turner, Amaya Turner and Amirah Turner; nephews, Adric Turner Jr., Mahlik Turner and Ahmaad Turner; loving companion(fiancée), Monica Nolan; special "uncle", Paul Smith Sr.; special cousin, Paul Durbin Jr.; special friends(brothers), Mike Bartrum, Troy Brown, Vasie Edwards, Paul Hutchins Jr., Kevin Jordan, William Kelly, Brian "Macky" McPherson, Paul Smith Jr., Dammon Walker & Joe Waters Jr.; a host of cousins and many other loving family & friends. He was preceded in death by grandfather, William Gilliam Sr.; uncle, William Gilliam Jr.; aunt, Betty Jean "Tootsie" Beasley. Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday August 14, 2010 at Helping Hands Ministries, 3237 Level Road, Churchville, MD where friends may call one hour prior. Friends may also call Friday August 13, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. at Gospel Tabernacle Church, 330 Superior Street, Havre de Grace, MD. Burial will be in St. James United Cemetery, Havre de Grace, MD.

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