By By Adam Prestridge
Atmore's Louie Turner III has always had a passion for the funeral business.
Since the youthful age of 14, Turner has stayed involved in servicing those that have lost loved ones.
Now, after 23 years, Turner has built his own funeral home fulfilling his lifelong dream.
On Jan. 7, 1998, Turner opened Turner Funeral Chapel located at 149 Carver Ave. After seven years, Turner grew tired of throwing his money away renting a building and decided to build his own. A little over a month ago he moved into his new 2,800 square foot facility located at 83 Westbrook Ln.
Not only does having the opportunity to grow your own business please Turner, but he also said having his own building is serene.
Contractors began work on the new Turner Funeral Chapel facility several months ago. Turner said the facility would be a work in progress for the next two years with all the amenities he is planning to add, but expects most of the construction commotion to cease in about a month.
Turner also plans on having the bottom half of the funeral home bricked and the top and sides covered with vinyl siding, but said it could take several months to finish depending on how Mother Nature cooperates.
Turner also plans to cover the carport area where the hearse and family limos will be parked prior to processions. Also to be added will be a garage for storing the funeral homes vehicles.
The new chapel at Turners can seat 100 people and when completed will have the capability to section off into three parlors giving the facility four funeral parlors. Turner Funeral Chapel also has a casket room, which can hold nearly 20 caskets for families to choose from, an embalming room, two bathrooms, a receptionist's area and an office area for planning funerals. Turner also plans to start carrying headstones and footstones so family members can make all their arrangements in one stop.