Kerry Turner of HPG Brands/Best Promotions USA, an industry veteran of 46 years, passed away Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, from COVID-19 complications. Kerry was known for his cheerful personality, kindness, integrity and great passion for the promotional business over a career spanning almost five decades.
A graduate of the University of North Texas, Turner founded supplier Kerry’s Etcetera in 1974, specializing in mug and glassware fine decorating. Turner started Kerry’s Etcetera with assistance from his parents, operating out of their garage. After selling Kerry’s Etcetera to supplier Numo Manufacturing in 2003, he spent more than 12 years on staff with Numo before joining Best Promotions USA, which was his last industry job before passing.
Turner, often called “the most interesting man in promo,” was an enthusiast in many endeavors, including but not limited to, his own rock band called the Young Texans playing in many venues during his high school and college years. He was a member of the Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA), where he held a world record for over a year. He then moved on to become a professional-level national competitor in West Coast Swing (WCS), where he met his wife, Alisha.
He was a WCS instructor, putting national competitors in the professional level arena. Turner then shifted his attention to motorcycles, becoming a Road Captain for Dallas Harley Davidson. He loved riding cross-country. His final endeavors then shifted to cooking chili, where he won several events at the highest level in the CASI Terlingua Championships, winning many awards along the way.
“Kerry was the definition of the word ‘gentleman,’” said Michael Hicks, founder of Best Promotions 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.”
Kerry leaves behind his daughter, Addilyn (Addi), who is currently 6 years old; and her mother, Alisha Turner. To honor Kerry’s memory, and to help Addi’s future, please send contributions to a GoFundMe campaign set up C/O Alisha Turner. Due to COVID-19 risks, there are no planned public service at this time. However, a virtual service is currently being planned in honor of Turner. More information will be forthcoming regarding the virtual service.
