David Wade Turner, age 77 of Yulee, Florida passed away on Friday, January 29, 2021 at UF Health in Jacksonville.
At ten years old he followed his father Readick to plumbing jobs. He learned at an early age the trade of plumbing and the art of working with people. After high school, and the Navy, he began his quest. He started as a plumber's helper and attended college at night. After 14 years Dave was Vice President of Clark Brothers Plumbing. He flew back and forth from Jacksonville to Orlando running both companies when Disney World first started building. The owner wanted Dave to take over his company but Dave wanted to start his own and gave a year's notice.
He and Judi explored St Augustine and Yulee. Wanting their sons to grow up in a country atmosphere and build their own plumbing business Yulee was chosen. Selling everything they started from scratch.
They decided for three years they would do with the bare necessities to build their dream. Dave worked on houses in Mandarin while nights and weekends building his own house. Judi gave up her career as a tennis coach and Assistant Community School Coordinator to work with her husband. She obtained a degree as a Paralegal with her major in business.

Their neighbors will tell you how every day you saw them working on their house, while living in a camper.
They bathed in a #2 washtub and meals were cooked on an open fire. Every dime they had went into their house and business. They saved money by painting and lettering their own trucks. Today they own everything because of their sacrifices. With their five sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren they are definitely a force in this community. Dave was named Nassau County business person of the year in 1985. He and his wife had made it a point to be involved in the community. Their philosophy to give back a community who has helped make their business a success. They sponsored little league and soccer team, formed a tennis foundation and always donate to any youth groups.

They are known for opening their home to family and friends and think nothing of entertaining 50 to 300 people at any given moment. They have hosted soccer, football, tennis teams and their parents for swimming and tennis parties.

Dave loved hunting, fishing and NASCAR combining his hobbies with his business. The deer logo stems from his hunting which Judi designed and from the plumbers' pledge to protect the health of the nation through the creation of sanitary water conditions. He was instrumental in forming the Nassau County Construction Licensing Board and served with the intent to protect the consumer from unlicensed activity. He chaired
the Association for Retarded Citizens benefit fishing tournament and a constant sponsor of the Fernandina Kingfish tournament.

He belonged to the Family Motor Coach of America and traveled with fellow rv friends to many events over 20 years.

He entertained us by writing the Dear Dave column and known for being available to other plumbers as well as customers to help solve problems. He gave Career Day seminars and "Take Your Daughter to Work Day". His company is licensed in Florida and Georgia. They started as a one truck organization and are now in their 45th year. Sons Dale, Daniel and Dustin bought it in 2007.

Their marriage and business is an example of what hard work, family unity and trust in God can do.
Dave is survived by his wife Judi, 5 sons, 4 daughters'-in-law, 19 grandchildren and soon to be 22 great-grandchildren. He has many sons and daughters by love. He is "Daddy Dave".
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Journey Church in Yulee, FL.
His family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home.
He will be laid to rest in Green Pine Cemetery.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com
OXLEY-HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS