Wendell Emanuel Turner

Wendell Emanuel Turner, 69, passed away Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, in Richmond, VA.

He was born in Shenandoah, VA on Feb. 1, 1943 the son of the late Floyd and Ella V. Turner.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred (Millie) Funkhouser Turner, whom he married on Dec. 26, 1965.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his brother, Billy Turner (Fran) of Schenectady, NY; his sisters, Shirley Tomney of The Villages, FL; Lois Will (Lowell) of Midlothian, VA and Elaine Stillwell (Jerry) of Stanley, VA. Also surviving are nephews, David Turner (Paula), Charles Tomney (Cindy); Tom Turner; Edwin Will (Arlene); Michael Stillwell; a niece, Suellen Mallette (Tom); a great-nephew, Ross Tomney and great-nieces Robyn Will and Heather Mallette. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Funkhouser and sister-in-law, Donna Simmons.

Wendell graduated from Madison College (now JMU) in 1965 and received his Master’s Degree from Radford University. He taught school in Roanoke County until taking a position with Prentice-Hall Publishing Co. (Pearson). He served as a textbook representative and received the Eagle Award, a national recognition for his work. He was later promoted to a managerial position for the Southern Region of Prentice-Hall and served in this position until he retired in 2002.

Wendell was known for his love for his wife and family; his pride in his collection of antique cars, especially his Thunderbirds; his wonderful wit and sense of humor; his card games with family and friends and his sense of style. He will be remembered most, however, for his kindness and generosity to others and his enjoyment of life.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 Thursday evening, Sept. 27th, at the Lindsey Harrisonburg Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at two o’clock Friday, Sept. 28th from the Chapel of the Lindsey Harrisonburg Funeral Home with the Rev. Ellen Martin officiating. Interment will be private in the Dayton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Wendell requested that donations be made to the Oak Grove United Methodist Church c/o Elaine Stillwell, PO Box 52, Stanley, VA 22851.

Online condolences may be sent to the Turner family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.