David Loy Turney

David Loy Turney, 79, was born on Christmas Eve, 1943, in Harrison, Arkansas and went peacefully to be with his Savior on December 30, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Loy and Mildred (Taylor) Turney and an older sister, June Young.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marcile, a daughter Jennifer, sons Mark and wife Kim, Matt, Steven and wife Meredith, four grandchildren, Katie, Tess, Ty, Daniel, and numerous nieces and cousins. Although being born into a farming environment, he was drawn to his grandfather who was a master carpenter, and cabinet maker gaining skills which enabled him to create almost anything he considered challenging. In the Turney home, God was the center of family with church every Sunday and love in the air. At 8 years of age, at a typical Baptist revival and vacation bible school he was deeply moved and came to Christ and was baptized in the Elm Branch swimming hole near the church.

At 10, he became an enthusiastic spelunker, being the first to explore the “Bottomless Pit” cave. During these encounters deep underground he experienced the beauty of God’s creations. This spelunking activity taught him to assess danger, stay calm in tight quarters, and lay-down a trail for back tracking which would be beneficial during his lifetime. After graduating from Valley Springs High School in 1961, he went to summer school at University of Arkansas and spent 2 %1⁄2 years in the engineering department, dropping out to earn money for the completion of his degree. After working for construction and civil engineering groups surveying snake infested swampland, he decided engineering might not be for him. Again, God had a hand in his professor introducing him to a new hybrid degree, Industrial Management, teaching him how important a mentor can be and how God is the master designer of our lives.

After holding numerous technical employment positions throughout the U.S., he was made plant production engineer in Virginia and learned the value of “team” work. As a private pilot, he would fly 1000 lb. explosive rocket launchers and dynamite at night between Arkansas and Virginia for quality control acceptance. He said, after flying above a cloud deck and seeing the stars and moon, there is no way he could ever believe there is not a God in the heavens.

In 1991, with Dave’s expertise in strategic and business planning, he migrated to the public transportation industry. During his tenure, he was recognized and honored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) as an Outstanding Business Member. He served as chair for the Mineta Transportation Institute for 10 years and remains as an Emeritus Trustee. This honor was bestowed to him in recognition for his work in co-founding the MTI Student Scholarship Endowment. Another privilege during this time was testifying before the House Transportation Committee in Washington, D.C. Under his leadership as Chairman, President and CEO of publicly traded DRI, he expanded their information technology products globally and penetrated markets in 50 countries. Personal development and education in both the public and private sector were important to Dave. He and Marcile were actively engaged in Park Cities Baptist Church, co-directing Floyd’s Faithful Adult Sunday School Class, teaching youth and participating in various Senior Adult activities, during their 40+ years at PCBC. Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying, church retreats and having dessert first.

Other cherished times in his life were hunting with Bob Gayden until Bob had to quit when his health began to deteriorate. After this Dave called it quits…… it was no longer enjoyable without Bob. The Lord brought others into his life to provide cherished memories, Bob Floyd, Y Ping Chu, Larry Hagemann, Mark Gambaccini, Claude Robinson and numerous others.

Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4: 16