Francis Turley

Francis D. Turley was born January 29, 1939 to Gerald and Regina (Stovall) Turley in Billings, Montana. He was the 6th boy of whom there were 7 boys and one girl. Francis died in his sleep July 2, 2016 on a family ranch near Anderson, Texas. Francis had a colorful history of eclectic talent, intelligent determination and friendly heart. He was raised on the family ranch south of Musselshell in the Bull Mountains with his large extended family of brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, ---- all of whom provided him with a colorful environment with class. Francis spent much of his early years horseback riding and began his first years of formal learning after riding to the Mountain Home school 16 miles south of Musselshell. He then attended school at the Musselshell School proper. Francis's high school years were spent at Roundup in order that he could attend a local Golden Gloves boxing club and play football. He excelled in high school football- setting rushing and touchdown records- and played in the East/West Shrine game his senior year. Boxing gained a passion within Francis's soul that not only continued to bring the entire Turley family to Roundup, but also drew additional local interest in boxing. Boxing matches featuring Francis drew attendance that matched high school basketball and football games. Following high school, Francis attended Montana State College in Bozeman and walked onto the Montana State Football team. He also was a premium member of the Montana State Boxing club, and developed a colorful friendship with the MSU future coach Sonny Holland. Francis also maintained his love of cowboy ways working summers on large ranches and attending rodeos and wild horse races. He earned a 3.0 steer wrestling record in Roundup that was not beaten until recently. Winter brought Francis indoors long enough to win the Multi-State Golden Gloves championship in both 1958 and 1961. Francis is well known for his December 1958 amateur boxing match with Cassius Clay (Mohammad Ali) in Chicago. Francis is one of few who knocked Cassius Clay down on the canvas, only to lose by a split decision. Francis became an owner/operator of the family ranch at the head of Hawk Creek in the Bull Mountains with his brothers Gerald, Mike, and Curgus. He ranched with his brothers until 1968. The American Fork Ranch near Two Dot then became his home until 1974, when he became a professional oilfield product manager for southeast Asia- Malaysia. Francis held this position for 30 years, returning to Montana with many tales of this area. Few men with such notable achievement are of Francis's modest character. Many tried to draw a match with Francis, and he modestly suggested they reconsider. Those that did not, quickly wished they had followed his advice. Quick wit, powerful lightning action, and friendly smile, became lifelong trademarks of Francis. Francis was predeceased by both parents, and brothers Edward, Gerald O'Neil, Turla John “Turla”, and James Michael “Mike”, Patrick “Pat”. He is survived by his daughter Cindy of Billings, and brother Lycurgus “Curgus” and his sister Adele, both of Texas; 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 27 nieces and nephews. Francis is also survived by sisters-in-law Delia of Roundup, Faye of Billings, and Maxine of Musselshell. Francis had a lifelong appreciation and fondness for his Uncle John and Aunt Minnie (Burton) Turley along with his five cousins, of which Mary Cooley of Musselshell is the surviving member of that family. A celebration of Francis's colorful life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 16 at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Avenue, Billings Montana. Honorary bearers will be General Paul E. Funk, Jr. (Butch); Mr. Robert (Bob) Kelly; Mr. Don (Donnie) Tomlin; Mr. Robert (Bob) Price; Mr. Richard (Dick) Palagy; Mr. Lycurgus (Curgus) Turley; Mr. Richard E. (Dick) Walker; (It'll take 7 men to carry his body and soul) and his many friends and relatives. Francis's ashes will be spread at the Turley Ranch south of Musselshell at a later date. For those wishing to honor Francis with a memorial may send donations to “Friends of Musselshell School” C/O Adair Rademacher, Musselshell Montana 59059.