Charles Hetey Turk

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Longtime Williamson pharmacist and businessman, Charles Hetey Turk, 76, of Sunset Addition, Williamson, passed away Thursday evening, April 3, 2014, at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington after a brief illness. His wife, Tina, and son, Charles Mark, were by his side.

A baron at birth, Charles was born in Nyrigelse, Hungary on April 27, 1937, a son of the late Karoly Hetey and Julianna Torok Hetey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and only sibling, Irenke Zborai; an uncle, Charles Turk and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Melpo and Mark Battis.

Charlie left Hungary, lived for some time in Austria, and eventually immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York City on March 12, 1957.

He settled in Red Jacket with his uncle, the late Charles Turk. He entered Matewan High School where he learned to speak the English language. From 1960 to 1963, he served with the U.S. Army Headquarters Company at Fort Story, Va., being chief clerk and holding the rank of Specialist Four.

Charlie was graduated from the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy on May 12, 1968. He was a member of Kappa Psi professional fraternity and he belonged to the American and West Virginia Pharmaceutical Association. While at the university he was a Dargavel Scholar and on the Dean's List.

During the early years of his career he was employed by the Appalachian Regional Hospital. He owned and operated Strosnider Drug and People's Drug for a number of years. He was employed by Rite Aid Pharmacy in Logan at the time of his death. He worked in the Williamson store for a number of years prior to its closure.

Charlie was well liked and highly respected by customers, physicians and other pharmacist with whom he interacted. He was concerned about and genuinely interested in people. He was looked upon as a valued friend and trusted counselor. He was highly esteemed by friends, neighbors and co-workers alike.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Williamson where he was ordained as a Deacon many years ago. He was a member of the Mountain Club, the Loyal Order of the Moose and he was honored as "Elk of the Year" in 1972 by officers and members of Williamson Lodge 1408, BPO Elks. The honor was bestowed upon him in recognition of unselfish service.

Charlie married Constantina "Tina" Battis Turk in 1982. They were the parents of one son, Charles Mark Turk Hetey of Williamson. Charlie was devoted to his family and their welfare was always foremost in his thoughts.

In addition to his wife and son, Charlie is survived by his nieces, nephews, great-niece and great-nephew, Karoly Zborai, Szuza Orosi, Attila Zborai, Anita Zborai, Arnold and Tunde Orosi.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon Tues.,, April 8, at First Presbyterian Church of Williamson. Reverend Vaughan Smith will officiate. The body will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Visitation is from 6-9 p.m. Monday evening, April 7, at Weaver Mortuary in West Williamson.

Interment is in the Mountain View Memory Gardens at Huddy, Ky. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside by the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 141, Belfry, Ky.

Active pallbearers include John Reeder, Tyler Murphy, Matt Cleer, Jimmy Hays, Matthew Gilliam and Greg "Hootie" Smith.

Honorary pallbearers are Leo Pajarillo, Tom Atkins, Raymond and Richard Roy, Larry Simpkins, Robert G. Shelton, Subash Vyas, MD, Moses Pinson, Louie Olive, H. Truman Chafin, Don Skeens, Tim Kohari, DO, Daniel Snavely, MD, and Charles Turner, MD.

Floral tributes are welcome or gifts in Charlie's memory can be made to: WVU Foundation, include "IMO Charles Turk" on the memo line and mail to WVU Foundation, 1 Foundation Place, 7th Floor, Morgantown, WV 26507.

You may express online condolences at www.weavermortuaryinc.com.

Weaver Mortuary of West Williamson is serving the Turk family.