Melvin "Pingie" TurnerApril 22, 1936 - March 07, 2017ExeterMelvin Turner was born on April 22, 1936 in Exeter, CA to Marvin and Clementine Turner. He passed away on March 7, 2017 in Visalia, CA surrounded by his loving family. Known as Pingie by his family and friends, he was born and raised in Exeter where he graduated high school in 1955 and married Carole Kirk. After high school, he joined the Navy and was stationed in Corpus Cristi, TX. After returning to Exeter he worked as the recreation director and swim coach, where he taught hundreds of children to swim. He was one of the founding members and coach of Exeter's Pop Warner football league. He worked most of his life in farming. Pingie loved his family, animals, rain, kids and the mountains. His very favorite thing to do was drive over Rocky Hill and enjoy the scenery. Pingie was loved by many and never met a stranger. Everyone who knew him enjoyed him for his quick wit and was left with a joke to remember. Pingie is survived by his son Ron Turner (wife Cheryl) daughter Dawn Navarro (husband Raymond) daughter-in-law Kay Turner, grandchildren: Blake Turner, Lindsay Mathews, Whitney and Jake Turner, and Bree Navarro; great-grandchildren Boone Turner, Reagan and Riley Pollock. He was proceeded in death by parents Marvin and Clementine, brother Norman Turner, sister Margaret Plumlee, and son Drew Turner. He meant the world to his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held at the Pentecostal Tabernacle Family Center, 515 S. Filbert, March 14, 2017 at 11:00 AM.Arrangements provided by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Condolences may be made at www.smithfamilychapel.com