Donald Ray Turner
Donald Ray Turner, 75, of Lewisburg, WV, died on the 6th day of January 2025 at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. He was born on December 28, 1949, in Ronceverte, WV, the son of Thelma “June” Turner and Wallace Elliot Turner. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Patricia (Richard) Peek, Millie Taylor, and Mary (Mike) Isaacs.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet Brown Turner; three sons, Eric (Julie) Turner, of Lewisburg, WV, Ryan (Laura) Turner of Huntington, WV, and Nathan (Sarah) Turner, of Princeton, WV; as well as grandchildren, Ty, Andrew (Hannah), Zach, Ben, Sydney, and Jack Turner. He is also survived by his two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Augustine Turner; his brother, John (Shirley) Turner; and sister, Brenda (Rusty) Miller.
Don graduated from Greenbrier East High School in 1969. He was a first-generation college graduate and proud supporter of Marshall University. He was a commercial contractor and multigenerational owner of Brown Construction, Inc. Don was a natural athlete and while a senior at East, amassed a final batting average that stood for many years. In later years, he played golf and self-reported that he always won the match.
He was an avid hunter, coach to numerous youth (in his younger years), and anonymously provided jobs and funding for many disadvantaged youth, foundations, and school sports programs in the area. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, joining his brother, John, in raising and racing harness horses. Having grown up with limited resources himself, Don never looked down on anyone based on their present situation in life. Despite his sometimes rugged exterior, he would help anyone at any time without expectations.
Don valued education and hard work and was extremely proud of each of his successful children and grandchildren, whom he provided with the foundation, ability, and drive to succeed. While he felt very proud by his family’s life successes, Don felt even more blessed to have married his high school sweetheart and the rock of his life, Janet, who kept him going and on an even keel.
He will be missed, but those that knew him are thankful to God and smile that he existed in their lives. Interment will be private, per his request.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Fairlea Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 9364 Seneca Trail, Ronceverte, WV 24970.
