Mr. Turner was first appointed to the City Council in September of 2004 and served for a year and a half. He was reappointed to fill a vacancy in September of 2007 and was re-elected in November of 2007. He has earned Certificates of Recognition and Achievement in Government from the Carl L. Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. Mr. Turner has also served as the Alma Better Hometown Director and as the City of Alma's representative on the Southeast Georgia Regional Development Center Board. He currently serves on the Alma Downtown Development Authority Board and the City of Alma Revolving Loan Fund Board.

Jerry was born in 1942 to Garland and Gladys Neesmith Turner. After graduating in 1960 from Bacon County High School, he joined the military shortly thereafter. Jerry served 26 years with the U.S. Army Intelligence, earning Army Accomodations, Meritorius Accomodations, and the Legion of Merit for outstanding leadership performance. He attended every military education and leadership course available and earned an Associate degree in Business from the Univeristy of Maryland. He retired in 1986 as a Sergeant Major.

In 1996, Jerry married Marsha Ahl, who is also a gradute of Bacon County High School. In 1998, Marsha retired from the Federal Judicial System in Atlanta and they returned home to Alma. Jerry and Marsha are members of the Alma First United Methodist Church and they are both involved in community activities. Jerry is a member of the Alma Lions Club, the Bacon County Masonic Lodge, Alma VFW Post #4625, American Legion Post 69, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Disabled American Veterans.