Ralph (Bill) William Turner Jr., of South Bristol, was born in Methuen, Mass. March 19, 1921 and passed away May 10.
He was a 1941 graduate of Hebron Academy, Hebron. Following WWII, he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1948. During WWII, he served three years in the Fifteenth Air Force, which included 18 months in Italy.
He spent most of his career in the pulp and paper industry, working for Great Northern Paper Company, Impco Division of Ingersoll-Rand Company and Stone and Webster Engineering Corp. He was involved with the design, development, manufacture and installation of the heavy machinery, and was awarded several patents for breakthrough technology in the industry. He traveled to paper mills in Sweden, England, Canada and South Africa, as well as many paper mills in the U.S.
Bill enjoyed a lifelong interest in boating and the Maine Coast area, where he had a home for over 50 years.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean Turner of South Bristol; son, Robert Turner of Omaha, Neb.; daughter, Cynthia Lindsley of Brunswick; grandchildren, Benjamin Foreman Turner of Omaha, Neb., Rebekah Jean Lindsley of Pasadena, Md., and Kelly Lynn Turner of Philadelphia, Penn.; and great-granddaughter, Emerson Anne Turner of Omaha, Neb.
A memorial service for Bill was held May 14 at the Union Congregational Church of South Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Congregational of South Bristol, PO Box 59, South Bristol, ME 04568; or CHIP, PO Box 6, New Harbor, ME 04554.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.