Stewart Turley's Obituary
STEWART TURLEY
JULY 20, 1934---FEBRUARY 23 2024
A TRUE KENTUCKY THOROUGHBRED
Stewart (Stew) rose to fame as a leader in the business world from humble beginnings. His intelligence, drive and character catapulted him into a position of leadership, dreamed by many and attained by few.
He was a native of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky and educated in public schools there. His leadership began to emerge in high school where he excelled in academics and was chosen as captain of the basketball team. He earned the respect and admiration of administrators, teachers and students.
During his sophomore year in high school his life took a tragic turn with the death of his mother and shortly after his father died in a car accident. Family friends opened their home and gave him encouragement and determination to continue on his road to success.
He graduated from high school in 1952 with two basketball scholarships, UK and Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Always wanting to see Florida, Stewart chose Rollins, painted his dads rusty Model A Ford and drove to Winter Park.
At Rollins he worked small jobs to support himself, played basketball and met Judith Hall. They married and soon started a family. Stewart left Rollins after his sophomore year, needing to provide for his soon to be family. Tragically his first daughter Elaine passed away. She was 18 months old. They would later be blessed with 2 more daughters, Carol & Karen.
OUTSTANDING CAREER
Stewart took a job with Crown Cork and Seal Company in Orlando, as a night shipping clerk and rose quickly to plant manager. Soon he was promoted to the corporate office in Philadelphia as General Manager of the company's largest plant. Stewart was 29 years old.
In 1966, while vacationing back in Florida, he met Jack Eckerd. They were a great match which led to a 30 year career with the Eckerd Corporation. When Jack offered him the option of two positions, he said "I'll take both of them?!?"
That same year Stewart became Manager of Non- Drug Operations, In 1974, he was President and CEO. In 1975, he was CEO and Chairman of the Board and would hold that position with the Eckerd Corporation for the next 20 years.
His long history with the company was an anchor which held the organization solid through the storm of 1985 when the company was the target of a hostile takeover attempt. Stewart then led the 35 year old company through a leveraged buyout arranged by the Eckerd Corporation Board of Directors and Merrill Lynch Capital Partners. His strength of character weathered the disruptive financial events of this period. Much of his strength can no doubt be attributed to his early years.
In 1993, Eckerd arranged an IPO and brought the Eckerd Corporation public again. Stewart appreciated his employees and made sure they benefited through their pension plans and 40l K 's. He also provided opportunities for the officers of the company to benefit.
Stewart was a Giant of Everything Good...Humility, Integrity & Generosity!
In 1996, Stewart sold the company to JC Penney and merged Eckerd with Thrift Drug Stores. He retired in 1997 and during the course of his time with Eckerd the company had grown to 2778 stores and generated sales of 9.6 billion dollars.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GIVING BACK
While at Eckerd, Stewart was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Florida A&M University and Florida's Webber College. He was on the board of Eckerd College, member of the Business Roundtable, The Florida Council of 100, World Business Council, Chief Executive Organization, the Governor's Commission on Education and was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, He was a Trustee of the U S Ski and Snowboard Foundation.
Stewart served on many corporate boards including: Sprint Corporation, Springs Industries, Barnett bank, Marine Max, and Watermark Communities. He was named three times Retailer of the Year by the National Assn. of Chain Drug Stores and honored with their highest award, Retailer Hall of Fame.
ADMIRATJON FROM FELLOW BOARD MEMBERS
"You are an inspiration, a walking model of integrity. You are a constant source of quiet and firm, wise and caring stewardship."" No one does their homework more thoroughly than you." "I will always have your example to call upon and admire all that you stand for."
BACK TRACKING TO THE 80'S and 90'S SERENDIPITIES!!!!!!!
In the early 80's, Stewart visited the Vail Valley in Colorado at the time that Beaver Creek Mountain was being developed. When he arrived, he could not believe how beautiful it was and immediately bought a Condominium in Beaver Creek. Stewart, his family and friends enjoyed skiing and it became his favorite sport.
In the late 80's Stewart met Linda Smiley at a charity art auction in Clearwater. Linda had 2 daughters from a previous marriage, Kathy & Kristy. They married in 1990 and Linda has been by his side for 34 years. Clearwater, Florida is their home.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAJESTY
Beaver Creek and the Vail Valley became a favorite place to visit in WINTER for the amazing skiing and SUMMER for the beautiful weather. For many years Stewart and Linda owned a home for family and friends to gather.
Stewart was on the Boards of the Vail Valley Foundation, the Steadman, Philipon Research Foundation and on the Board of Trustees for the US Ski Team Foundation for 20 years. He was a founding member of the Eagle Springs Golf Club. Linda & Stewart participated in Bravo Vail, The Vilar Performing Arts Center, Shaw Cancer Center, and the Beaver Creek Club.
Wonderful Memories abound and the Turleys have treasured their time with Children, Grandchildren and Friends in Colorado.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Stewart was loved and respected by his family and all who knew him. To his grandchildren ... he was Papa Stew, a mentor, role model, coach and motivator. To his friends he was Stew.. .loyal, fun loving, competitive in sports and thoughtful.
To his daughters, and step daughters... he was their Rock! To his wife Linda, Stew was her everything and beautiful memories of their time together will be with her forever!
SURVIVED BY:
Wife: Linda Turley
Daughters: Carol Turley Cohen, Karen Turley
Step Daughters: Kathleen Smiley Jacob, Kristine Johnson (M; Scott Johnson) Loyal Dog: Buddy the Cavalier
Grandchildren: Seth Cohen, Taylor & Sarah Shockley, Stewart, Seaton & Griffin Johnson, Kristine & Alex Jacob,
Nephew: Joe Turley
Nieces: Leighton Isaacs, Lynn Mc Comas, Mavis Scully, Melissa Dubas, Babs Williams, and Jill Santiago.
PREDECEASED:
Former Wife: Judith Hall
Daughter: Gloria Elaine Turley
Brother: Bob Turley
Sister: Clare Jackson
Mother: Mavis Turley
Father: Robert Joe Turley
Linda and Stewart have profound gratitude for the love they have for each other, for the blessed life they have lived together and for the love and support of their dear friends......
CELEBRATION OF STEWART'S LIFE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Friday, May 10th, 5:00PM
The Pelican Golf Club
1501 Indian Rocks Rd
Belleair, FL 33756
In Lieu of flowers:
The Turley Family Health Center
Morton Plant Foundation
1200 Druid Rd. S.
Belleair, FL 33756
Community Dental Clinic
1008 Woodlawn St.
Clearwater, FL 33756
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