Rocky Mount, NC

Edmund Temple Turnley, Jr.

Mr. Edmund Temple Turnley, Jr., age 87, of Rocky Mount, passed away October 18, 2015 at his home.

Born in Kinston, NC on August 22, 1928, he was the son of the late Edmund T. Turnley, Sr. and Elsie Swaringen Turnley.

He went to Warsaw High School and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1949.  He joined the United States air Force in 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1953 as a Second Lieutenant. 

In 1951, while stationed at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he married the love of life, Jean Floyd.  They moved to Rocky Mount in 1953 and Mr. Turnley worked for the City of Rocky Mount as the Parks and Recreation Director for 33 years.

He enjoyed all sports, especially playing tennis, and had a love for flowers and gardening.  Mr. Turnley was also a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, which he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Floyd Turnley; a son, Ed Turnley, III and his wife, Deborah; a daughter Dawn Turnley-Pursifull, and her husband, Gene; two grandchildren, Eric and Lauren Turnley; and their mother, Maria Turnley.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, NC.  A graveside committal service will follow at 4:30 PM at the Old Powell Cemetery in Fair Bluff, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, 100 South Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

You may share your memories and condolences with the Turnley family by visiting www.mearesfuneralhome.com.

The Flag at the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Turnley's dedication and service to our Country.

Meares Funeral Home, 795 Main Street, Fair Bluff, NC  28439, is in charge of the arrangements.

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