COLUMBIA, S.C. – Mr. Ray Pickens Turner, 81, of Columbia, died Tuesday, July 9, 2013. Born in Edgefield, South Carolina, November 22, 1931, he was a son of the late Anna Faulkner and Sidney Turner.  Ray was co-owner of Southern Builders and Realty, and spent 40 years of his professional life as a home builder in the greater Columbia area.  He was also a longtime member of the Home Builders Association of Great Columbia.

Although Ray loved building homes, he was passionate about spending time with his family, fishing and hunting.  He also like to cook for friends, family, his church fundraisers and was the cook for the North Richland Optimist Club for 25 years.  A former member of Main Street United Methodist Church, Ray had been a member of Fair Lawn United Methodist Church since 1966.  Over the years, Ray served Fair Lawn as a trustee and a member of the building committee.

Ray was also a member of the Dentsville Masonic Lodge # 398 A.F.M., a 32^nd degree mason, a charter member of the Jamil Temple in Columbia, and charter member of the North Richland Optimist Club.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Murray Turner of Columbia; son, Larry Ray (Susan) Turner of Blythewood; daughter, Annette Turner (Ben) Willis of Blythewood; grandchildren, Ryan Leslie Banks, Jordan Elizabeth Banks, Kristen “Krissy” Marie Turner and Brooks Willis; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Mr. Turner will be held 2 o’clock, Thursday, June 11^th at Fair Lawn United Methodist Church, with The Rev. Scott Bratton and The Rev. L. Carroll Pope officiating. Burial with Masonic rites will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia, from 5 until 7 o’clock. Memorials may be made to Fair Lawn United Methodist Church, 9203 Wilson Blvd, Columbia, SC 29203.

Memories and condolences may be added to the online guestbook at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Heartstrings Hospice, Wildwood Downs, and Dr. Erik Hartvigsen for their compassionate care for Mr. Turner.