Rufus Turner Clem was born in Tutwiler, Mississippi on October 1, 1934 to Lawrence and Estelle Clem. He passed away peacefully at home in Spring, Texas on January 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Turner was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Gillenwater Clem; his son Richard Scott Clem; father and mother in law, Mitchell and Pearl Gillenwater; brothers in law, Mitchell Gillenwater, Jr. and John David Gillenwater.

He is survived by his son, Michael T. Clem and wife Vanessa, their sons, Michael II and Ryan; son Kelly D. Clem and wife Denise, their sons, Colby and Kyle; daughter Tara Lee Clem and her sons, Austin, Hunter, and Garrett; and son Chris T. Clem and wife Sarah, their son, Seth, and their daughter, Amy Elyse. He is also survived by sisters in law, Freda Gillenwater and Dolores Gillenwater; nephews, Ross Gillenwater and Todd Gillenwater, and niece Cindy Gillenwater.

Turner grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and graduated from Jesuit High School where he excelled in track and field, specifically shot put and discus, which ultimately earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Louisiana Lafayette (formerly S.L.I.) While at ULL he was an ace shot putter, setting the school record in 1954. He was a 4 year letterman and member of the "S Club" and proud booster of the Ragin Cajun Athletic Club. He graduated in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

It was during his time in college where he met fellow classmate and the love of his life, Betty. They married in Lake Charles, La. on June 2, 1956. After graduation and starting their family in Lafayette, they moved to New Orleans where Turner followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in crane / heavy equipment sales and construction. His long career in the industry began in 1958 as a Sales Representative for Cummins Diesel in New Orleans, Sales Manager for Favelle-Favco (where in the late 1960's he was part of the team that provided the FAVCO tower cranes to Karl Koch Erection Co., contractor for the World Trade Center) and Vice President of Sales for FMC in New Orleans. The family transferred to Texas and established their home in north Houston in 1975. In 1976, Turner formed Rig and Crane which has been in business for 46 years.

Although he thoroughly enjoyed his career and continued working until shortly before his passing, his greatest pride and happiest moments were with his family. He was the epitome of a southern gentleman and loved keeping his wife Betty, happy. He was a most loving and devoted husband. He was often the man behind the scenes allowing her to take the spotlight and let her kindness and infectious smile light up the room. His love for Betty was immeasurable and one of his most endearing gestures was planning and arranging their surprise vow renewal at same church in which they were married in Lake Charles on their 60th wedding anniversary. He was an incredible, giving father. A wonderful role model who taught all of his children to do the right thing, work hard, and to have a strong work ethic. To be steadfast in your convictions. He was also the best "PawPaw" any family could have asked for. His 9 grandchildren were the light in his eyes. He could often be found over the years in his office, bouncing a grandbaby on his knee while speaking to customers on the phone. He spent countless hours supporting them at their academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. He loved them all without measure. His light will continue to shine through each of them. Turner was a generous and loyal friend, confidant, colleague, and boss. You always knew where you stood with him. He enjoyed playing golf, watching college football, baseball, and playing cards. It was during these activities that he established lifelong friendships. He was also a man of faith. Although his family misses him tremendously, they take comfort knowing he is now reunited in heaven with his parents, his son Scott, and most importantly his wife, Betty.

His long, wonderful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his family.

A memorial service celebrating Turner's life will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at John Wesley United Methodist Church. 5830 Bermuda Dunes Dr., Houston, Texas 77069 with Rev. Cheryl Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Turner's memory to be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231; The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601; or the Angelman Syndrome Foundation 3015 E. New York Street, Suite A2 #285, Aurora, IL 60504.