Larry Cloys Turner

TURNER, Larry Cloys, 83, of Franklin County, passed away on September 26, 2015. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Noah W. and Nannie Kate Turner; son, Christopher Allen Turner; sister and brother-in-law, Eunice and Lois Turner Hall; brothers, Eldridge Taylor Turner "E.T." and Kenneth D. Turner; and niece, Nina Turner Ozmore. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Jean Mabry Turner. In addition to his wife, Mr. Turner is survived by his son, Leland L. Turner (Shiela); daughter, Carol Turner Todd (Robert); brother, Noah Glenwood Turner (Barbara); sister-in-law, Rebecca Turner; grandchildren, Brandon and Shannon Turner, Katrina and Abby Todd; great-grandchild, Kyleigh Ragland; as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Mr. Turner was born on September 12, 1932 and graduated from Bluefield College in 1958 with a degree in Liberal Arts. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from University of Richmond in 1960 and graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1963 with a Bachelor of Divinity, and in 1971 he was awarded a Master of Divinity. As an ordained minister, Reverend Turner served several churches as associate pastor and pastor. These included Crystal Hill Baptist Church in Halifax County, Four Mile Creek Baptist Church in Varina and Pioneer Baptist Church in Henrico County. In addition, he preached and filled in at the pulpit of many churches over several decades. In preparation for a career change, Mr. Turner attended Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 1980 with a Master's of Education. He taught at Varina High School and John Rolfe Middle School until his retirement in 1994. In addition to teaching history and English to middle school children, which he loved, he was very involved in youth sports in the school and community. He had been an athlete in his youth, especially excelling in baseball. At one time he was chosen for a try-out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, an honor he treasured even though he was not selected to be a team member. In working with youth sports, he was able to pass on those skills he had learned in his own youth. Mr. Turner was a long-time member and past president of Battlefield Ruritan Club. He took part in various community projects sponsored by the Ruritans. Other activities he enjoyed included vegetable gardening, camping with the family and traveling to historic areas with his wife. Another love of his life was music. He sang in college choir during those years and with church choirs for most of the years following. Now, his beautiful, unusually deep bass voice will be added to the heavenly chorus. A private interment will be held at Washington Memorial park with a memorial service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association in his name.