Mr. Armond Allen Turner

Armond Allen Turner, 79, of Columbia SC, passed away on November 28, 2022. He was born June 25th, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to William Pickney Turner and Evelyn Knepp Turner. Armond attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida and was thereafter accepted to the United States Air Force Academy. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Engineering and later completed an MBA from the University of South Carolina. Armond graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1965. He then went on to flight school and served in the Air Force for 15 years as a fighter pilot, flying many aircraft, including the McDonnell Douglas F4D Phantom II. Armond conducted in excess of 100 missions supporting the Vietnam War. On May 25, 1968, while conducting a mission over Vietnam, Armond’s F4 was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. Both he and his copilot were safely rescued by the “Jolly Green Giants” Air Force rescue squadron after a short time in the jungle. For the rest of his days, Armond celebrated May 25 as his second birthday – a second chance at life. Armond’s distinguished service included many medals but of note are the following: The Distinguished Flying Cross twice, The Air Medal twice and The Purple Heart. Throughout his life, Armond was a very inquisitive and knowledge-hungry individual, regularly reading books and trying new things. While at the Academy, he practiced Judo and pistol marksmanship. During his service, he attended Formula One racing school, acquired an International Racing License, and was a member of the British Automobile Racing Club. He thoroughly enjoyed motorcycles, owning everything from small dirt bikes to large Harley Davidson’s. Additionally, he owned boats, RVs, and model RC airplanes (we can imagine he was good at piloting those!). He loved photography, taking road trips, and even cared for an older Appaloosa horse. He was in the Mensa organization and elected president of his chapter. A “social butterfly,” he knew how to energize and enliven people. After the service, Armond went into real estate: buying, selling, and renting houses. He was married twice (Barbara Meadows & Judy Dockery), had four children with Judy Dockery, and spent the remainder of his life working on his real estate business and raising his children. He always wanted the best for his kids: the best education, opportunities to play sports, involvement in extracurricular activities, and encouraged once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Armond is survived by his children, daughters Carissa and Serena, and sons Weston and Hamilton, as well as grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Darrell. Armond will be buried at the Air Force Academy, per his wishes. His military funeral will occur in 2023 on his “celebrated birthday,” the day he was shot down in Vietnam, of May 25th.

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Mr. Armond Allen Turner

June 25, 1943 - November 28, 2022