Tennessee Rep. Larry Turner Dead at 69

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Rep. Larry Turner is dead at the age of 69.

House Speaker Pro Tempore Lois DeBerry told The Associated Press she was informed by the Memphis Democrat's wife that he died Friday morning after a long battle with an unspecified illness.

Turner missed most of the last session of the General Assembly after spending 12 years in the Legislature with hardly any absences.

DeBerry, also a Memphis Democrat, described Turner as a quiet, yet effective lawmaker who, "I never heard anybody say anything bad about, and I never heard him say anything bad about anybody."

Turner's most notable legislation dealt with education, predatory lending and helping restore certain rights to felons.

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton issued the following statement on Turner's death:

"Representative Turner was one of the most principled legislators I've ever dealt with in my many years in public office. His word was his bond and if he did not agree with you, his no meant no. He never tried to play both sides and quite frankly, when it comes to legislative dealings, that attribute is absolutely golden. He was not a man of many words, but without question, he was a man rich in values and principles.

Our prayers go out to his wife, Mrs. Johnnie Turner, and the entire family."