Ricky Lynn "Rick" Turman

Ricky (Rick) Lynn Turman passed away peacefully at home on Thursday April 15, 2021. Rick was preceded in death by his father Joe Max Turman and his brother Wallace Russell (Rusty) Turman. He is survived by his loving wife Janet Pearson Turman and his three sons, Joseph Lyndon Turman (Kathryn), Andrew Shelton Turman (Jenée) and Adam Hatch Turman (Anne-Marie); his seven grandchildren Ryan Michael Turman, Kaitlynn Jo Turman, Leland Pearson Turman, William Braziel Turman, Sailor James Turman, Dylan Edward Roberts and Mae Alexandra Turman. He is also survived by his mother, Martha Adams Turman and two brothers, Harlan J Turman and Kenneth (Kenny) Wayne Turman (Sharon) and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rick was born in Fairfield, AL and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1972. While there, he developed and nurtured his lifelong passion for music that spanned every genre. He was active in the marching band and developed his love for drum and bugle corps. The stories he told of his band competitions were epic and brought him joy throughout his life. He sought and appreciated impeccable sound quality. At a young age he built his own stereo system, fuse by fuse, tube by tube, component by component. As family, friends, and neighbors would attest, Rick had a true servant's heart and always looked out for the well-being of others. Snowfalls, hurricanes, or tornados… Rick was first on the scene with his essentials: a chainsaw, a 12-pack of ice-cold Coors Light, and his orange AU koozie tucked in his back left pocket. Rick was passionate about all things 'Auburn.' From Toomer's Oaks, to football, to baseball, to the marching band, to the engineering departments he worked with, to the students and locals he interacted with, Rick LOVED Auburn University. When all three sons graduated from Auburn, his pride and sense of joy could not be contained, so much so, he sported an Auburn tag reading MY3SUNS (or a version of that) ever since. He was especially proud of watching Joseph perform in Auburn Singers, Andrew play football for the Tigers, and Adam speak at his Georgetown commencement ceremony. He was particularly moved whenever the eagle flew, or Auburn's Alma Mater was sung. Most importantly, Rick unconditionally loved his family and wife, Janet, throughout their 43+ years of marriage. He never missed a single episode of their Friday 'date-night' of dinner and dancing. Rick and Janet's passion for SCUBA diving and the open water pivoted into boating when their three boys arrived on the scene, whom he lovingly beckoned with a BOOMING voice, "Yo! Larry, Moe, Curly! It's time to go!" Rick's smile was larger than life when he was boating on the water, teaching his sons and their friends to ski and kneeboard behind his boat aptly named, My Three Suns. Rick was actively involved in Hoover youth sports as his sons embraced all forms of competition. Many life-long friendships were established while watching his children grow-up at the ballpark. He coached his son's teams throughout the years and was football commissioner for Hoover youth football. To this day, he is endeared by many as, 'Coach Rick'. His Jolly-ole-Smile and custom-built Christmas light display earned him the name 'Santa Rick' during the holiday season. His show grew larger each year and merrily danced to a Christmas playlist over his FM transmitter. People traveled from near and far to enjoy his light display. Reading The Night Before Christmas to his family and grandchildren will be cherished and remembered for generations to come. He was passionate and driven in his work life, having started many diverse companies over the years. Rick had an unmatched work ethic which he exemplified throughout his life. It took long hours and total commitment to achieve product perfection and excellence. He was founder and president of Reliable Formed Plastics, LLC and retired in 2020. Rick was a true Renaissance Man. He could design, create, repair, construct, and bring-to-life anything he imagined. If he didn't know how, he educated himself, mastering what he sought to know. He never stopped seeking knowledge to accomplish his goals. His wit, sense of humor, and gregarious nature kept all who knew him on their toes and howling with laughter. His family simply refers to his ever-endearing antics as 'Popisms.' Rick was a proud American. He revered veterans and was a flag-bearing patriot throughout his life. A great man left us too soon. He will continue to influence our lives and forever remain in our hearts. A private family memorial service will be held in May at the home of friends to celebrate his incredible life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The Citizens Commission for Human Rights (CCHR), 6616 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, www.cchrint.org or to a charity of your choice.