Phillip William Turley

Philip William Turley, born July 20, 1941 in Indianapolis, IN, passed away December 3, 2023 in Houston, TX. He was surrounded by family at the time of passing.
Philip is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol Carlson Turley; children, Gwendolyn (William) Harrison of Tupper Lake, NY and Steven (Ruth) Turley of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Stone Harrison of San Antonio, TX, Brooke (Mitch) Keniston of Tupper Lake, NY, Alejandro Turley and Gabriel Turley of Houston, TX; great-granddaughter, Avery Keniston of Tupper Lake, NY; sister, Barbara Warvel of Johnson City, NY; several nieces and nephews. One son, Douglas Turley, passed away in 2011. Philip was also preceded in death by his father, Roy H. Turley; mother, Vesta Braner Turley; brothers, Roy Turley and Howard Turley, and a sister, Jane Schaub.
Philip graduated from Española (NM) High School where he played trombone and was the high school band drum major. He also sang with a male quartet, The Heartbreakers, in New Mexico. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Indiana Central College (now University of Indianapolis). While in college, he majored in trombone for a year and a half and then switched to a voice major. He sang in the college choir and in a male quartet that traveled to churches to perform and promote the college. In the summer they would sing at church camps for young people and sometimes lead Bible studies or teach classes.
Philip started singing with the Trinity (Episcopal) Madrigal Singers during his senior year of college. He continued with them for 20 years. Upon graduation from college, after finishing his church camp travels, Philip married his college sweetheart, Carol Carlson, on August 25, 1963. He then started his teaching career at Perry East Junior High, where he taught general music and choir for 4 years. He earned his Master of Science degree in Music Education from Butler University during those 4 years and he also began his career as a church musician with the choir of Trinity Episcopal Church, Indianapolis.
In 1967 Philip moved to Hartford City, IN, to become the choral director at 2 high schools that were then consolidated into Blackford High School after 2 years. He taught 4 choirs, music history, music theory, music technology, and swing choir. He commuted to Indianapolis to continue singing with the Trinity Madrigal Singers and he continued his career as a church musician.
Philip saw his family increase while in Hartford City with the addition of Gwendolyn, Douglas, and Steven. He had the privilege of having all three of them in his classes at the high school and of watching each of them graduate from college and begin their careers. He founded and directed the Hartford City Madrigal Feasts, the Arts Chorale, and he was the choral conductor at various churches through the years. He was privileged to be able to take time out of his teaching to earn his Doctor of Arts degree from Ball State University, Muncie, IN.
Philip retired in 1998 after 35 years of teaching. He and Carol moved to Honolulu, HI to be near grandchildren. He became a staff singer at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral, singing with the traditional choir as well as the Hawaiian choir. He started composing and arranging in earnest and acted as "tour guide" for our visitors from the mainland. He has stated that these were the best 5 years of his life!
Philip's 2003 move to Moultrie, GA was again to be near grandchildren. He also took part-time work as a church choirmaster.
The 2010 move to Houston, TX brought him near the youngest two grandchildren. The move was blemished with the passing of his son, Douglas, in early 2011. Philip and his wife found a good fit at Trinity Episcopal Church in Midtown Houston. Both sang in the choir until the pandemic caused in-person services to cease. Phil's weakening heart had him worshiping via live stream post-pandemic.
Philip's personal goal in his teaching was to let each student know that they possessed the skills necessary for participation in whatever musical or artistic endeavor they felt called to attempt.
"I feel a strong sense of accomplishment every time I hear of a former student enjoying being a member of their church or community choir. This act of using music to enrich one's whole life and the lives of those around one is the real power of music. My objective has been to help as many students as possible to experience music, not aiming for the 'perfect' choir. A lifelong love of music is priceless."
Philip was described by such words as: gentle, humble, talented, a loving and compassionate soul, enthusiastic, wonderful laugh and sense of humor, brilliant, dedicated, encouraging, kind, patient, a class act, full of dedication, an amazing teacher and mentor to students over the years.
A student summed it all up with,
"'Well done, good and faithful servant!' Praising God that Dr. Turley knew Jesus and lived life in a way that reflected that faith! He touched so many lives and is a part of so many fond memories for people scattered over the globe now."
A funeral service will be at 10:00 am Friday, December 22, 2023, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1015 Holman St., Houston, TX 77004.