William R. Turner Jr.

William R. Turner Jr. SMITHFIELD - William Robert Turner Jr., 80, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2010, after a lengthy illness. A native and lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County, Robert was the son of the late William Robert Sr. and Ivey Ruth Johnson Turner. Robert was a lifetime member of Benn's United Methodist Church and served in many capacities of the church's life. He was a graduate of Smithfield High School and was an Army veteran. He retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation as a superintendant after 33 years of service and was a farmer. Being community and civic minded, Robert will be remembered as a charter member and a past president of the Carrollton Ruritan Club. He also worked tirelessly with the IOW Christian Outreach and participated in the IOW Relay For Life. Robert will also be remembered as a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Family and friends affectionately referred to him as "Wocky." In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Logan Doggett Turner; his sister, Lois Turner Clark; and brother, James Edwin Turner Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Mary Nancy Turner Saunders, her husband Mark and their children, Joseph and Elizabeth, of Carrollton; his sons, William Robert Turner III, his wife, Jocelyn and their son Sonny of Norfolk, and Frank Allen Turner and his children, Zane, Casey, and Audra, also of Norfolk; a sister, Genevieve Turner Frost of Alpharetta, Ga.; and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family members. A service celebrating Robert's life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 30, in Benn's United Methodist Church, with the Rev. O.H. Burton officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service. Burial will be private in St. Luke's Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Colonial Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions to Benn's United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 14571 Benn's Church Blvd., Smithfield, VA 23430, Isle of Wight Relay For Life, c/o Pam Jordan, 18214 Farmview Lane, Windsor, VA 23487 or to the IOW Christian Outreach Program, P.O. Box 253, Smithfield, VA 23431. Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.