Raymond "Ray" L. Turner

Raymond (Ray) L. Turner, 88 of Salem, passed away February 19, 2021 at Lewis Gale Hospital surrounded by his family, doctors and nurses. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ethel Turner, brothers James, Ralph, Gilmer Eugene and Charles, and sisters Linda Maxine Turner Prater and Mary Ruth Turner Cumbie.
Ray was born in Pulaski, and on coming of age he served in the United States Navy, honorably discharged after four years of service. He was employed at General Electric for 37 years, retiring in 1994.
Ray cherished his family and loved his church, where he served as a deacon and deacon chairman at both Green Ridge Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Roanoke (FBC). He was humbled to serve on the search committee that brought Pastor Bryan Smith to FBC.
His gift for woodworking gave him great pleasure, crafting many items for his church, family and others.
Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Dickerson Turner, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, daughter Karen Turner McMillan and her husband Ron of Salem, son David Turner of North Carolina, grandson Eric McMillan, granddaughter Annie McMillan Kistner and her husband Joshua, and great-grandchildren Jackson McMillan and Talulah Kistner, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 24th at 2pm at Sherwood Cemetery in Salem, Virginia with Pastor Bryan Smith officiating the service. There will be visitation with the family prior to the service held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem from 1:15 until 1:45. Due to COVID19 concerns, the family wishes to protect the safety of all who attend by requesting mask wearing and social distancing.
In lieu of sending flowers please consider a donation to one of Ray’s favorite charities: FBC Youth Program, St. Jude’s Children Hospital or the Gideons.