Obituary

At University Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, Virgil Lloyd Turner entered the world on

December 7, 1944. He was the son of mother, Thirissa McCoy Turner and father, Pastor

Leon Turner Sr. He confessed Jesus Christ at an early age and was born again into the

family of God.

Virgil attended elementary school in Camden, Arkansas and Jr. High in Magnolia,

Arkansas before graduating from the Little River County Training School in Ashdown,

Arkansas. He attended Bishop College in Dallas Texas and was employed at the

famous Parkland Hospital. He went on to graduate in August 1967 with a Bacclauarte

Degree in Health and Physical Education. Following graduation, he secured a job at

Lincoln High School in Washington, Arkansas as a Biology teacher and basketball

coach.

He would soon meet the love of his life in 1967 and two years later, the pair were

married on August 23, 1969 in Columbus, Arkansas. They were truly a dynamic duo.

Virgil was known as the life of the party with his intellect, infectious energy and vibrant

personality lighting up every room they entered. His humor, charm, and storytelling

ability made him the center of attention, and he could truly make others smile. While

Thelma’s calm and steady demeanor made a perfect balance to his exuberance.

Together, they embraced a shared passion for travel and love of family. From the

beaches of California, to their home in Arkansas, their adventures were filled with

discovery, laughter, and love. As they celebrated their 55 years together, the vows they

spoke those many years ago never faltered as their love survived both sickness and

health.

Virgil was kindhearted, humorous, and a lover of music. Virgil was extremely talented.

He could sing and play the piano, but his preference was the guitar and the blues. Virgil

was employed at American National Insurance Company where he earned the

company’s highest honor, before moving to NeKoosa Edwards (Domtar) in Ashdown,

Arkansas, where he worked from the late 1970’s until his retirement in 2009.

Waiting for him in heaven are his parents, his parents in law (get the spelling of their

names), two brothers: Leon Jr. and Wilbur; three sisters: Norvell, Jewelene, and Birdie

Faye. 1 brother in law Arthur, and one sister in law Margaret. He leaves to cherish is

memory, his loving wife Thelma Jean Vaughn Turner. One brother Walter Earl Turner

(Annie) of Ashdown, Arkansas; one sister Laverne (Turner Allen (Alonzo) of Ashdown,

Arkansas; one brother in law Charles Vaughn (Dorothy) of Columbus, Arkansas; and

one sister in law (Betty) of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; as well as an abundance of nieces,

nephews, cousins, friends, and family. He will be greatly missed