Mr. Eugene “Gene” Carl Turner, age 54 of Woolwine, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was born in Patrick County on June 25, 1971 to Albert Lane and Brenda Kathleene Thomas Turner. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother “Willie” Turner.
Gene was always willing to lend a helping hand and did so with a generous heart. He would be first to “hook up a chain” to pull someone out, scraped countless driveways for neighbors, and willing to help fix anything. Gene was a dedicated employee throughout his years with Griffith Lumber. Coworkers would describe Gene as a “jack of all trades” at the sawmill, and the “best guy” on the forklift at the logyard. In his time at home, he and his wife enjoyed spending time working on their farm, “Joint Crack Creek LLC” and their personal sawmill, which was used to build their home. Gene was always happy when he was farming, hanging out with family and friends, and watching Dallas Cowboys. Most of all, Gene thoroughly enjoyed being “papa” and cherished the moments he spent with his granddaughters.
Surviving is his wife, Cynthia Turner; sister and brother-in-law, Opal Rebecca “Sis” and Lee Quesenberry; one daughter, Kalayna Cassady (Lucas); one son, Thomas Turner (Kelsey), two stepchildren, William Black and Burke Black; a nephew, Austin Beavers (Olivia). He was proud to be “papa” and enjoyed time with his grandchildren, Waylon Strother, Lexie Turner, Karoline Sawyer, Karter Sawyer, and Lylah Sawyer. There was a special place in his heart for his aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial graveside service will be held on Friday, June 5, at 2:00 pm at the Thomas-Turner Family Cemetery on Charity Lane with Pastor Mark Elkins officiating. Family will welcome friends for visitation at the home of Joan Turner after the memorial graveside service. Gene will be laid to rest in a wooden urn made by Griffith Lumber. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woolwine IC Memorial Dehart Park, PO Box 86, Woolwine, VA 24185 or dropped in the Dehart Shelter Box, located at Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
