Henry Clay Turner

Henry Clay Turner, 93, of Axton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Thursday, June 1, 2017. He was born in Henry County, June 25, 1923 to Eugene L. Turner and Maude Oakes Turner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Mildred Highfill Turner, and siblings, Oakes Turner, Miriam Turner and Walker Duigiud. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for 63 years, where he had served as deacon, trustee, usher, and Sunday School teacher. He retired from V. M. Draper, Mfg. after more than 38 years. In his younger years, he was a salesman for Miracle Maid Cookware and a sawmill bulldozer operator. His favorite hobby was woodworking, especially crafting bowls. Regardless of his declining health, with a big smile he would remark, “I’m doing fine for a young fellow.” Surviving are his daughter, Betty Roach; son, Gene Turner (Mary Jane), all of Axton; grandson, Hank Turner of Oklahoma; great grandson, Jordan Turner (Lydia), U.S. Army; great-granddaughter, Payton Turner, and granddaughter-in-law, April Sparks, both of Reidsville, NC; sister, Myra Turner of Martinsville; sister-in-law, Gladys Russell of Mayodan, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. Special appreciation is expressed to Joyce Sowers, Margaret Harris and Mountain Valley Hospice. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 3 PM at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral , 109 Broad St., Martinsville, with the Rev. Dr. David Towler and the Rev. Dr. Don Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be Tuesday, June 6th, at 11 AM, at Roselawn Burial Park. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, PO Box 879, Bassett, VA 24055, or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 730 E. Church St., Martinsville, VA 24112.