Obituary of Jack McKinley Turman

Jack McKinley Turman, 87 passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. He was born on February 13, 1930, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean Mullins Turman and his parents, William McKinley Turman and Lena Turman Saunders. He is survived by his son, Dean McKinley Turman from High Point, North Carolina. His daughter and son-in-law, Tamar Turman Wood and William Lawson Wood and one grandson, William Logan McKinley Wood.

Jack and Jean met in high school and they married August 21, 1952. They were married for 60 years. Jack joined the NAVY in 1951, but was drafted by the ARMY during the Korean War. Jack was stationed in Louisiana, California, Texas, Kentucky, and Alaska. He loved serving his country and was very proud of his service. He retired as a Sergeant Major on August 1, 1979. Jack was also employed by the EXXON Corporation in Richmond, Virginia and retired after 25 years. Jack remembered vividly when he was in charge of changing all of the signs from ESSO to EXXON across the state of Virginia.

Jack and Jean moved to High Point, North Carolina in 1978 where they raised their two children, Tamar and Dean. They were both Master Gardeners and loved working with herbs and planting flowers. They both took great pride in everything they did and loved watching their grandson, Logan play baseball. They moved to Roanoke, Virginia in 2002, so they could be closer to Logan.

Jack is also survived by his two sister-in-law’s, Ina Dean Layman and Shirley Mae Worley, brother-in-law, Fred Booth Mullins, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends, including Jack and Jean’s best friends, Ronnie and Irene Adams of Richmond, Virginia.

A special thank you to the staff at Salem Terrace and Good Samaritan Hospice. And special angels sent to us, Carmelita King and Carrie Rutherford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family will receive friends Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 1-2 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home Chapel, the service will follow at 2 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory. (540)366-0707.