Joseph Raymond "Ray" Turner

Joseph Raymond "Ray" Turner

Joseph Raymond "Ray" Turner, 86, of Rustburg, went home to glory to reside with our Heavenly Father on November 5, 2025. He was the loving and devoted husband to Shirley Jones Turner for 70 years.

Ray was born November 15, 1938, in Martinsville, the youngest son of the late Mallie Simmons Turner and Susan Elizabeth Waggner Turner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved brothers and sister: Randolph Turner, Jack Turner, Ed Turner and Barbara Turner Rakes.

In addition to his wife, he leaves to cherish his memory his son, Edward (Eddie) R. Turner of Evington, and his daughter, Donna T. Gaddy-Bowen (Brian) of Rustburg; a proud grandfather of Travis R. Gaddy (Stacie), Tyler R. Gaddy and Brittanie T. Berry (Ben); great-grandfather of Kerry Cofer (Jordan), Karlie Cifuentes (Carlos), Savannah Gaddy, Berkeley Berry, Turner Berry and Wallace Berry; and great-great-grandfather of Luna Cifuentes; many nieces and nephews; his feline companion, Sweetie; and other relatives and friends.

Ray dedicated 42 years of loyal service to GE/Ericsson, earning deep admiration for his unwavering work ethic. For more than two decades, he gave back to the Rustburg community by helping build, develop and mentor countless young people at Kelly Field.

A lifelong and devoted member of Rustburg Baptist Church, Ray served faithfully as a teacher, deacon and servant of the Lord. Known affectionately as "Mr. Fix It," he generously shared his talents through building projects and renovations, both within the church and throughout the community. In his spare time, he loved to spend his time at the beach or at Smith Mountain Lake with his family.

Above all, Ray was a devoted husband, a committed father, and a loving "Papa Ray" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He found joy in doting on them, often slipping a few dollars into their hands when they visited. Despite facing many health challenges over the last 15 years, he persevered with the strength of an Ironman, always hardworking and resilient.

Ray's legacy is one of faith, service, perseverance and love for his family. The family would like to give their heart-felt thanks to the staff at Bentley Commons and Liberty Ridge Health and Rehab for their loving care and support over the last several years.

The family will receive family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, November 11, at Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Road in Lynchburg.

A celebration of Ray's life will be conducted at 2 pm, Wednesday, November 12, at Rustburg Baptist Church, 286 Rocky Road in Rustburg, by Reverend Roger Roller with interment to follow at Cumbie Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Campbell County Animal Care New Build Project, 322 Dennis Riddle Drive, Rustburg, VA 24588.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory (434) 239-2405 is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com