Simmons Edwin Turner

Simmons Edwin Turner, age 97, entered his heavenly home in Danville, VA on June 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Simmons was born on February 6, 1927, in Martinsville, VA to the late Elizabeth Wagner Turner and the late Mallie Simmons Turner. He was married to Velma Hodges Turner, who survives, of the residence.

Simmons served in the U. S. Navy during WWII as a radioman, After his military service he attended both NC State and Clemson to receive an advanced education in textile manufacturing. He worked for Cone Mills in Greensboro, NC, Fruit of the Loom in Franklinton, NC, and finally with Dan River Mills in Danville. He worked as a Manager and Superintendent at all his different company positions. Simmons was a deeply spiritual man and a devout Christian who attended Mt. Hermon Baptist. Simmons was an avid golfer who also loved fishing in his free time.

Left to cherish his memory, in addition to his wife, Velma Turner is his daughter Bonnie Turner Murphy (husband Thomas Anthony Murphy, Jr.) and her son, Michael E. Turner, all of Greensboro, NC. In addition, he is survived by a brother, Raymond Turner (wife Shirley) of Rustburg, VA, and two grandchildren, Sydney Turner and Matthew Jason Murphy, as well as two great-grandchildren, Mason James Murphy and Asher Thomas Murphy.

In addition to his parents, Simmons was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Turner Rakes, and two brothers, Randolph and Jack Turner.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Danville, VA, officiated by Pastor Steve Chromy. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park, Danville. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral, also at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, from 12:45 – 1:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or God’s Pit Crew, 2499 N Main St, Danville, VA 24540.