Kerry Turner lived life to the fullest.

Whether it was jamming in a rock band, drag boat racing or conducting business in the industry he loved, promotional products, Turner exuded a passion and affability that was infectious.

It’s that cheerful goodwill and zest for life his friends, family and colleagues will remember following Turner’s passing on Saturday, Jan. 16, as a result of complications from COVID-19. Turner, who is survived by his wife, Alisha, and daughter Addilyn (Addi), was 73 years old.

Kerry Turner

He spent many of those happy years – more than 46 of them– working in the promo industry. Turner was most recently with Best Promotions USA, a supplier firm whose parent company is Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966).

“Kerry was the definition of the word ‘gentleman,’ ” said Michael Hicks, founder of Best USA. “His consummate professionalism, kindness, caring, integrity and many contributions to HPG’s Best USA brand will never be forgotten. We can all learn to be better people by the example of how Kerry treated others each and every day.”

Serving as director of souvenir sales for Best Promotions was Turner’s final job in promo. He’d joined Best roughly six years earlier. His roots in promotional products, however, stretch back to 1974. That’s when the graduate of the University of North Texas founded his own supplier firm, Kerry’s Etcetera. The company specialized in glassware and fine decorating – and Turner loved it. In 2003, he sold Kerry’s Etcetera to Numo Manufacturing (asi/74710). Turner then spent 12 years on staff at Numo before joining Best.

“Kerry was a fabulous man, kind to all that had the opportunity to know and/or work with him,” promo pro Deby Warner said in a social media post about Turner. Warner worked with Turner for 33 years. “He loved life and all it had to offer.”

That was evident in his extensive hobbies and pursuits.

Turner, who’d earned the playful moniker “most interesting man in promo” among colleagues, was an accomplished drag boat racer. A member of the Southern Drag Boat Association, he held a world record in the sport for more than a year. A Renaissance man, Turner later became involved in West Coast Swing, a competitive partner dance with roots in the Lindy Hop. He competed on a national level in West Coast Swing, a pastime that also led him to meet his wife.

Keen for new adventures, Turner shifted his attention to motorcycles, becoming a Road Captain for Dallas Harley-Davidson. “He loved riding cross-country,” HPG noted in a statement. Turner was quite a cook, too. He participated in chili-making competitions, and scored no shortage of success, winning high-level events at the Chili Appreciation Society International Terlingua Championship Cookoff, as well as other awards.

All that came after his rock ’n’ roll days. Back in high school and college, Turner played in a rock band called the Young Texans. They performed at a variety of venues.

“I knew Kerry for what seems like forever,” promo pro Walter Kurt wrote in a Facebook comment in reaction to the news of Turner’s passing. “He was always such a kind gentleman. He always welcomed me like I was family and we could carry on a conversation for hours. I will miss him! Such a wonderful man!! May your memory be an eternal blessing to all that knew you, friend!”

Turner’s daughter Addi is 6 years old. To honor his memory, and help with Addi’s future, please send contributions to https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-kerry-turner C/O Alisha Turner. Due to Covid-19 risks, there are no planned public services at this time. However, a virtual service is in the works. More information will be forthcoming regarding the virtual service.