Eric Ellis Turner was born on Monday, October 29, 1979  to John M. Turner, III and Terry Turner in Summit, NJ.  Eric was a man of character—creative, wise, and witty. While stoic in nature, he was also sensitive, embodying a gentle strength that was evident to those who knew him.

Eric graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Over the years, he held various positions in marketing and sales, demonstrating his dedication and professionalism. At the time of his transition, Eric was serving as the E-Commerce Manager at Bajio Sunglasses. He was well regarded for his kindness, commitment to excellent customer service, and tenacious perseverance.

Eric was a man of many passions. He loved basketball and served as his high school's varsity captain during the 1996-97 season, leading his team to their first Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament. In October 2011, Eric relocated to Florida, where he became an avid fisherman, embracing every opportunity to fish. He developed a passion for gardening and furthered his interests in graphic design and cooking. Above all, Eric was known for his generous spirit, his kindness, and his ever-present smile.

Eric was preceded in eternal rest by his beloved father, John M. Turner, III; his grandparents, Edward Ellis Woodward, Theresa B. Woodward, John M. Turner II, and Edith C. Turner; his cousin, Gordon C. Woodward; his aunts, Maxine E. Dougherty and Sidney R. Williams; great grandparents and other aunts and uncles.

Eric entered the sunset of life on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Cherished memories of Eric remain with his beloved mother, Terry Woodward Turner James, and his brother, John M. Turner, IV. He is also survived by Stephanie Byrd, Shaun Byrd, Sharlene Brent, Marc (Rachel) Robinson, Michael (Yolanda) Robinson, many other cousins, relatives, and friends

He Is Gone by David Harkins

You can shed tears that he is gone OR you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back OR you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him OR you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday OR you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember him and only that he is gone OR you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back OR you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.