Pete Turnham became an Alabama icon over much of the 20th century. A decorated combat veteran of WWII, State Legislator for 40 years and successful businessman and community leader; it was not just his formal titles and success that earned him this place in the hearts of people across Alabama.
Through his daily example of humility and keen sense of privately helping others through public service, he earned the beloved title from rich and poor alike as simply, 'Mr. Pete'.
Passing away, 3 months shy of his 100th birthday on September 30, 2019 during the final works of this book, Mr. Pete; he was fondly remembered "as having lived half of Alabama's 200-year history and having made much of it".
As a solider under the command of famed Gen. George Patton in his Third Army, Pete developed a sense of purposed and service. A devoted husband of over 70 years to his wife Kay, and father of 4 children Diane, Tim, Ruthmary and Joe; Mr. Pete was grounded in his faith, family and beloved Auburn Community.
"Mr. Pete" was also known as "Mr. Auburn" for advocating for his alma mater, Auburn University. Earning over the years a bachelor, masters and honorary doctorate degrees from Auburn University, Mr. Pete became Representative Pete Turnham in 1958 and served a record setting 40 years in the Alabama House of Representatives.
From 1958 until 1998, Pete served with 10 Alabama Governors and 10 House Speakers sponsoring more meaningful legislation than anyone to date in Alabama history.
During his time in the House, Mr. Pete championed landmark legislation that set up mandatory polio vaccines for Alabama's school children, K-12 public kindergarten, adult vocational education, a community mental health system and new bond issues for college and university construction throughout the state.
As a proud national leader and former chair for the Southern States Energy Board, Mr. Pete was even more proud of helping establish his local church and sharing from the bounty of his vegetable garden for 60 consecutive years from his beloved 606 Moores Mill Road in Auburn, Alabama.
The book Mr. Pete is a mesmerizing journey through almost a hundred years of Alabama history as seen through the life of one of Alabama's greatest citizens of all times, Pete Turnham.
