For John Turner, life has always been a blend of hard work and passion, qualities that defined his career and now enrich his retirement.
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Turner spent over three decades working for Anheuser-Busch, where his innovative spirit and dedication helped shape the company’s approach to developing new barley strains for their worldfamous beverages.
Born and raised in the Sunshine State, his interest in agriculture and brewing began at a young age.
“My family had a small farm, and I was always fascinated by how things grew,” he recalls. “I loved science and was always curious about how different crops could be used.”
This curiosity led him to pursue a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Florida, which eventually landed him a job at Anheuser-Busch’s brewery in Jacksonville.
Joining Anheuser-Busch in the late 1980s, Turner quickly made a name for himself as a dedicated and innovative member of the team.
“I started out in quality control,” he says, “but I was always more interested in the research and development side of things.”
His enthusiasm and expertise didn’t go unnoticed, and soon he was part of a team tasked with developing new barley strains that would enhance the flavors and efficiency of Anheuser-Busch’s brewing process.
“The science behind brewing is incredibly complex,” he explains. “It’s not just about growing barley; it’s about finding the right combination of traits that will give you the best yield, the best resistance to disease, and the best taste.”
Taylor’s work involved extensive field research, crossbreeding different strains, and collaborating with scientists and farmers across the country.
“We were always experimenting, always trying to push the boundaries of what we could achieve,” he recalls.
His contributions to the development of barley strains were significant. He worked on creating strains that were not only more robust and disease-resistant but also environmentally friendly.
“We focused a lot on sustainability,” he says. “It’s important to ensure that the crops we grow today don’t deplete the resources for future generations.”
In 2020, the pandemic brought about significant changes in Turner’s life. With a desire to be closer to nature and enjoy a quieter life, he decided to retire from his full-time position and move to Sequoyah County.
“I’ve always loved this area,” he says. “The scenery is beautiful, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy retirement.”
However, Taylor’s retirement didn’t mean an end to his involvement with Anheuser-Busch. The company recognized his invaluable expertise and offered him a position as a sales consultant, allowing him to continue contributing to the industry he loves while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life.
“I still get to work with the company, but now I have more time to enjoy my hobbies and spend time with my family,” he explains.
In Sequoyah County, he has become a beloved member of the community. He spends his days gardening, fishing, and spending much of his time on Tenkiller.
“I love being here in this part of the world,” he says. “It is so lush and green and the people are so nice.”
Reflecting on his career and his life in Sequoyah County, Taylor feels a sense of fulfillment.
“I’ve been very fortunate,” he says. “I got to spend my career doing something I love, and now I get to enjoy the fruits of that labor in a place that feels like home.”
As for the future, he remains optimistic and hopeful.
“There’s still so much I want to do,” he says. “Whether it’s helping Anheuser-Busch continue to innovate or just enjoying the simple pleasures of being on Tenkiller, I feel incredibly blessed.”
