Turner linked faith, college
Rex A. Turner Sr., a co-founder of what is now Faulkner University, died Tuesday at the age of 87.
Turner spent much of his life helping to couple academics with Christianity.
Turner, along with Joe Greer and Leonard Johnson, created Montgomery Bible School in 1942. The school later became Alabama Christian College, with Turner serving as president of the college and Alabama Christian Academy until 1973, when Turner founded Southern Christian University.
Turner served as president of Southern Christian University until 1983 when he retired and was named chancellor.
Faulkner President Billy D. Hilyer described Turner as a man of great foresight.
‘I believe no other man could have done what he did in those days,’ Hilyer said during a chapel service held Wednesday morning.
‘He was my friend and my mentor. I appreciate the vision he had for this Christian institution,’ said Hilyer, who was a student of Turner’s.
Turner’s son, Rex Turner Jr., described his father as a hard worker who accomplished more than anyone could have imagined.
‘You know how someone has to build a bridge? He was a bridge builder,’ Turner said of his father.
Visitation will be held today from 5-8 p.m. at Leak Memory Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the chapel.
Memorials may be made to Southern Christian University, 1200 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117.
