Thirty American flags snapping in the cold January wind was the only sound Sunday afternoon as the casket carrying the body of Pfc. Ricky Turner of Athens was taken from a hearse to its burial site in Hazel Green.
Soldiers in an Army funeral detail took the casket to the gravesite in Charity Lane Cemetery, where Turner’s family and friends had gathered beneath a tent to shield them from the cold.
Mourners were quiet as Turner received a 21-gun salute, and “Taps” was played in his honor. Redstone Arsenal Brig. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco presented Turner’s mother, Susan Grimes of Hazel Green, with the flag that had draped her son’s coffin.
His father, James Turner of Athens, also received a flag.
Deputy Chaplain Randy Moore with the 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, N.C., led the graveside service. He said his family could take comfort in knowing Turner served his country well.
About 30 members of the Patriot Guard motorcycle group stood at attention during the graveside service, which followed a funeral service at 2:30 p.m. at Hazel Green Funeral Home.
Family members held a separate memorial Saturday in Elkmont.
Turner, 20, died when an improvised exploding device struck the convoy in which he was riding near Baghdad, Army officials said.
Turner also was survived by his wife, Nyoka “Nikki” Turner, his grandmother, Dorothy Turner of Piney Chapel and aunts, uncles and cousins from Limestone County.
Turner had been in Iraq for only about six weeks when the attack occurred.
Turner served as a combat engineer with the Third Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Third Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Turner's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Kenneth Rector, said previously: "While our loss is deep, we are comforted by the legacy he leaves behind with his fellow paratroopers. His memory will live forever in the heart of every Gladiator."
Turner’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
Turner attended Athens and Decatur high schools and was a member of ROTC.
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Related Photos
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The hearse carrying Pfc. Ricky Turner's body arrives at Charity Lane Cemetery in Hazel Green as Patriot Guard riders stand at attention. (News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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An Army unit carries the casket with the body of Pfc. Ricky Turner to the gravesite at Charity Lane Cemetery. (News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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A 21-gun salute is given in honor of Pfc. Ricky Turner. (News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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Patriot Guard riders stand at attention during the service. (News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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Military personnel salute as "Taps" is played. (News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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The flag is removed from Pfc. Ricky Turner's casket and folded to present to his mother. (News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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Susan Grimes, Pfc. Ricky Turner's mother, is presented with the flag from his casket. (News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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James Turner, fahter of Pfc. Ricky Turner, receives a flag.(News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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A member of the Army salutes family members of Pfc. Ricky Turner at his graveside service Sunday. (News Courier photo Kelly Kazek)
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Pfc. Ricky Turner of Athens buried Sunday in Hazel Green
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