03/12/13 - NNHS Newsletter - Ray Turner
Martin Raymond Turner |
Dear
Friends and Schoolmates,
There is
more sad news this Tuesday.
Ray Turner,
father of
Betsy Turner Bateman
('70) of VA, Bobbie Turner Howard ('72), Bonnie Turner Simmons ('74), and Beckie
Turner, and father-in-law of
Johnnie Bateman ('70)
of VA, passed away in Newport News on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the age of
82.
From the Daily Press - 03/12/13:
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NEWPORT NEWS - Reverend Martin
Raymond Turner, a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, departed his earthly life
on March 9, 2013.
He was the son of Henry and Cora Turner, born on April 22, 1930 and is the last of the 9 Turner children to join the Heavenly ranks. Raymond is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Umphlett Turner, four daughters, Betsy Bateman (John), Bobbie Howard, Bonnie Simmons (Steve) and Beckie Turner, five grandchildren, Heather Clarke (Julian), Casey Wignall (Eric), Courtney Ancel (Ersin), Tim Simmons (Andrea), Sarah Massey (Tom) and five great grandchildren, Knowles, Abby, Annslea, Colton and Leia. As a child born during the Great Depression, Ray started working at a young age. He worked for Wilder Theaters and was a radio announcer for WSAP Radio before securing a job at the former WTAR radio and television station. While there, he worked as a newscaster and did several local programs that included The Dr. Pepper Man and Dialing for Dollars before being promoted to radio station manager of WTAR. During these years, Ray was actively involved in the Civil Defense, the Kiwanis, the American Cancer Society and his church. |
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Ray Turner | ||||
Ray was well known
in the Tidewater area for his deep and smooth radio voice and often spoke at
many community organizations. As Ray became more involved in his church, he felt
the need to change his career path and go into the ministry. Ray stepped out on
faith with the support of his loving wife, Betty Lou, and began a college career
while working a number of jobs to support the family.
Even though he was attending college and working several jobs, Ray always found time for his wife and 4 young daughters to plan summer vacations, take picnic lunches or ride out to watch the sun rise. In addition, his love for writing and literature from Shakespeare to Poe contributed to his flair for the dramatics. His children loved listening to his home performances and will always carry those memories with them. Ray would begin his ministry in 1959 at Pinners Point Methodist Church in Portsmouth and would go on to serve churches in the Richmond area, South Hill and Newport News. His innovative sermons and hard work at all of the churches he served demonstrated his enthusiasm for the Lord. The family wants to extend their gratitude to the kind and wonderful staff at the Hidenwood Retirement Home and to the Riverside Hospice Team for their care, guidance and support. The family will
receive friends from 10 to 11 AM at Peninsula Funeral Home on Wednesday March
13, 2013 with the service to begin immediately after visitation at 11 AM,
officiated by Dr. Charles K. Root. Burial will follow at the Peninsula Memorial
Park. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at
dailypress.com/guestbooks.
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March 12, 2013
Rev. Turner
was such a
wonderful
person and I
will always
remember his
love for his
dear wife.
It was only
a few years
ago he
shared from
his wallet a
well worn
picture of
his young
bride.
Blessing to Bonnie, Tim, and the rest of the family during this difficult time. March 12, 2013
Recall only brief
acquaintance with Ray as I
worked years after at WTAR
then later at WAVY. May God
comfort his family to know
he is in the presence of The
Lord. Blessings,
~ Reverend Dr. Jim
Lehman, Gainesville,
Florida
Contact Me March 12, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of someone so dear .I miss being there to
comfort all of the family. My prays are with all. Sorry I am unable to
be there .
March 12, 2013
Ray was
such a joy to be around and hearing his stories of his love for his
wife. He truly watched over her every move. He will be missed. And the
office staff at Styron Square Apartments enjoyed Ray and Betty dearly.
Sending love and prayers to the family. March 12, 2013
Betsy, so sorry for the loss of your father. Thinking and praying for you
and your family at this difficult time.
March 12,
2013
March 12, 2013 To the whole family. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I am so sad that I won't be able to make it to the visitation or service as I have to work. I love your dad he was such a great man of God. I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Christie Hopkins, Poquoson, Virginia
March 12,
2013
~ Martin and Shirley Wetherbee, South Hill,, Virginia
March 13,
2013 March 1 3, 2013Absolutely one of my most treasured guests at Chick-fil-A. I will always remember him taking my hands into his and praying with me when I decided to start working from home. Mr. Turner and Betty Lou have touched so many lives and are loved so much. Thankful for the memories that will live forever. March 1 3, 2013
A wonderful man is gone but not
forgotten. March 13, 2013
I had the opportunity to meet
Rev. Turner when he came to Mathews County and held a revival at St. Paul
UMC in l973; met his lovely wife Betty a short time later. His teachings and
love for his Saviour had a dynamic impact on my journey with the Lord. He
will be greatly missed by so many who loved him. Condolences to all the
family March 14, 2013 What a wonderful man.
Mom and Dad (Wanda and Bill) also thought so much of Ray that they
named me after Ray. To Betty Lou and the girls, may God comfort you
during this time. Mom also expresses condolences. March 14, 2013 W March 14, 2013 D March 14, 2013 I
C
March 1 M March 14, 2013
I
March 14, 2013
S
March 14, 2013
March 14, 2013 |
Our deepest
condolences are extended to the Turner family and their friends at this difficult
time.
Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!
Love to all, Carol
==============================================
NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE:
http://www.nnhs65.com
PERSONAL WEB SITE:
http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat
==============================================
Carol Buckley
Harty
7020 Lure Court
Fayetteville, NC 28311-9309
915-780-3048
Shall We Gather at the River
Shall we gather at the
river,
Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?
Chorus
Yes, we'll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.
On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will walk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.
Chorus
Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.
Chorus
Soon we'll reach the shining river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease,
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.
Chorus
"Shall We Gather at the River" midi
and lyrics courtesy of
http://www.loveallpeople.org/shallwegather.html
- 07/15/07
at the suggestion of Fred Field ('45) of CA - 07/14/07
Thanks, Fred!
Greg Olsen Paintings courtesy of
http://gregolsengallery.com – 01/27/05Musical Divider Line clip art courtesy of - um, I am unable to locate that information at this time.
Civil Defense Logo courtesy of http://districtfallout.wordpress.com/history/impetus-and-impotence/ - 03/12/13
Kiwanis Club Logo courtesy of http://www.ekiwanisofgreateratlanta.org/ - 07/17/08
American Cancer Society Logo courtesy of http://www.dbqfoundation.org/donors/giving-center/american-cancer-society - 03/12/13