Roll Call Tribute

Stephen Russell Turner 

May 10, 1957 - September 2, 2023 

It is with great sadness that we announce that “the man, the myth, the legend” Stephen Russell Turner passed away on September 2nd, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with leukemia. He was 66.

Steve was a long-time Richardson, TX resident, a student at Richardson Heights Elementary, Richardson West Junior High, and a 1975 grad from Richardson High School. He was a kindergarten dropout who graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in AgEcon. (Insert Aggie joke here.)

He was a natural golfer with a powerful swing and was on the RHS Golf Team from 1973 to 75 and lettered for 3 years. In 1982, Steve was the Texas Long Drive Champion. A winner of many tournaments, including pro/pro, member/guest, and a pro/lady tournament with his wife Carrol, with an 8-stroke lead. Coincidentally, he also tied his future father-in-law’s course record that had been held for 40+ years. Steve was a PGA golf professional for 38 years. During the 1990s, he had a TV show on the Golf Channel called, “How Low Can You Go?”

Friends affectionately knew him as KB or Mr. T and was called OEO (Old Exalted One) by his grandkids. He had a personality as big as his 6 foot 4 frame. Known for his funny one-liners. Steve never met a stranger. A self-proclaimed “show pony” with a photographic memory who was a lover of tiny dogs and small cars. He was a notorious late-night snacker and an unofficial ambassador of Dr. Pepper, crunchy Cheetos, and peanut M&Ms. “The king of the dead finger” was a mastermind with a tetris-like aptitude for packing a garage or loading up a car. The man was a house-wrapping genius, a world-class getaway driver, and a front-row parking visionary who had a knack for always finding a bargain. His favorite things were free, and his second favorite thing was complimentary.

He had a lifelong respect for women, starting with his single mother and North Texas Food Bank Co-founder, Jo Curtis. His main priority was spoiling his bride, Carrol, whom he had met 38 years ago. A constant gentleman, Steve emulated Fast Eddie Goscin with his impeccable manners.

His legacy will live on through his family and friends. The love of his life, wife, Carrol Turner, survives Steve along with daughter Jennifer Del Cid and her husband Alan Del Cid; daughter Julee Kolpin and her partner Nick Dutton; 5 grandkids: Grete Kolpin, Sophie Rivas, Lennon Kolpin, Cece Rivas, Cora Rivas; and brother Lee Turner and nephew Cory Turner. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jo Curtis, father William Lee Turner, Sr., stepmom Stormy Turner, son-in-law Graham Kolpin, and not to be forgotten Yorkie dogs Max and Buster.

A memorial will be held at 1226 Chippewa Dr. Richardson, TX on Friday, September 15th at 6:30 p.m., followed by a gathering at Café Gecko in Richardson at 9:00 p.m. Golf attire is encouraged.