Eddie Lewis Turner, Sr., one of the first Black bus drivers for Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT), passed away on January 31 at the age of 92. His legacy as a dedicated public servant and community figure has left an indelible mark on Pensacola. Turner spent 36 years driving buses and earned a reputation for his love of the job, his passengers, and the relationships he built throughout the community.
A Trailblazer in Public Transit
In the mid-1960s, Turner made history by becoming one of the first Black bus drivers in Escambia County. Prior to this role, he spent 14 years as a bus mechanic. His transition from maintenance work to the front lines of public service was significant during a time when the civil rights movement was reshaping America. His appointment to the role of driver was a pivotal moment for both Escambia County and its residents.
“I remember seeing him come and get out of his car with a gray uniform on,” said Angela Anderson, who later recalled seeing Turner as a bus driver while riding the transit system as a child. This change marked an important milestone for the community, as Turner became a visible presence, driving various routes across Pensacola, including those serving the Navy Yard and Wedgewood areas. He wasn’t just known for his reliability but also for the personal connections he forged with passengers.
A Legacy of Safe Driving and Dedication
Over the course of his 36-year career, Turner became a symbol of dependability and care. His most notable achievement came in 1979 when Escambia Transit recognized him for driving over 1 million miles safely. Turner was proud of his work and often shared entertaining stories of his experiences on the job. One of his favorites was about an incident where his bus brakes failed, yet he managed to safely navigate the vehicle and continue the journey, earning admiration from his passengers.
Turner was offered a supervisory position at Escambia Transit but chose to remain a driver because, as he put it, “I like my job. Meeting the people makes the job interesting. I like the people.” His focus was always on the passengers, and his presence brought comfort to many who rode the bus daily.
A Father, Role Model, and Inspiration
Turner’s family remembers him not just as a worker, but as a loving father and a role model. His daughter, Dorothea Turner-Usher, reflected on how her father influenced her own life choices. “He taught me to charge a tire, change the oil in my car,” she said. Inspired by his words, Turner-Usher joined the U.S. Navy at 20, working in Aviation Maintenance Hydraulics. Turner’s guidance went beyond practical skills; his sense of responsibility and work ethic shaped his children’s lives.
Brenda Carrier, another of Turner’s daughters, described her father as deeply committed to his job. “He loved driving that bus, and people loved having him as their driver,” she said. Turner’s care and dedication to his work were evident in every aspect of his life, both on and off the bus.
Turner’s Impact on the Pensacola Community
Turner’s younger brother, Homer Lee Turner, summed up his brother’s contributions: “My brother is part of Black history in Pensacola.” Through his role as a bus driver, Turner became a familiar and respected figure in the community, bridging gaps between neighborhoods and bringing people together. His work, though not always celebrated, played an essential role in the daily lives of many, making him a lasting figure in Pensacola’s history.
Eddie Lewis Turner’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His story reminds us of the importance of service, dedication, and community in shaping a better world for all. He will be remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of riding his bus or knowing him personally.
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation for Eddie Turner will be held on Friday, February 3, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Tracy Morton Memorial Chapel in Warrington. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, at Macedonia Baptist Church in Pensacola.
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