Alfred Turner, graphic artist and missionary

ALFRED "BUTCHY" Turner Jr. was an award-winning graphic artist whose commitment to his religion led him to serve a community that reached from West Philadelphia to Guatemala.

As an active member of Bible Way Baptist Church, Alfred worked tirelessly within the church. But he and his wife, the former Natalie Williams, also traveled to Guatemala as missionaries, not only to spread the word of their Christian faith but to pitch in to build facilities that the people needed. In other words, they didn't just preach: They got their hands dirty in the service of their religion.

Alfred Turner, who perfected his artistic skills to the extent that he could start his own graphic-arts business, A. Turner Designs, a cheerful guy who had many friends, a cook whose barbecue was worth a prize on its own, and a caregiver who befriended many who needed help, died June 14. He was 59 and lived in West Philadelphia.

One of Alfred's clients was the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco!), whose fortunes he helped by his work in marketing, graphic design and event planning. He designed and performed layout work on Solid Gold Hair magazine, a staple in African-American salons. As his business grew, he took on other clients, including singer Will Downing Jr., the Art Jazz Gallery and newspapers: New Observer, Philadelphia Tribune, Neighborhood Leader and the Black Professional Network.

Philadelphia Magazine and the city's Department of Human Services also used Alfred for his skillful and innovative design work.

The Fast and Furious Sports Bike Club honored him for his skills when it received the "Hottest" Logo Award, and he was honored with the PRAME Award (honoring African-Americans in advertising) for the Color of Creativity Entertainment Billboard.

Alfred was born in Philadelphia to Odessa and Alfred P. Turner Sr. He graduated from John Bartram High School in 1970, and then earned a degree in graphic arts from the Hussian School of Art.

He was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church, and later became an active member of Bible Way Baptist, 1323 N. 52nd St. He served on the New Members Ministry; Angel Tree, which serves children of prisoners; Gifts of God Ministry, which feeds the homeless; and Tract Ministry, which tells people about Jesus and distributes Bibles. Alfred also was available for whatever else the church needed.

He and his wife were married on June 6, 2004.

In 2008, they traveled to Guatemala on a missionary program and he returned in 2010 to continue his work there.

Alfred was president of the Philadelphia Organization of Black Designers, and was captain of the block of 54th Street between Girard Avenue and Thompson Street.

"He impacted many lives, was a true friend and mentor to many," his family said. "He had a heart of gold, loved his music and barbecuing and yahooing with friends and family. He was a social person who led a colorful and active life. He kept a beautiful, perfect smile on his face.

"He provded a safe haven for many friends, helping those who were down, and supported them until they became whole."

His wife was his only immediate survivor.