Obituary of John Turner

John Massie Turner, 90, a life-long resident of Bedford went to be with the Lord on June 1, 2013 after a short illness. He was born September 30, 1922 to Henry F. and Vernie Massie Turner. He was a long-term employee of Piedmont Label retiring in 1984 after a 42 year career and was a member of the Bedford Fire Department for 24 years serving as Chief from 1962 to 1968 and remains close to his fire compatriots past and present. He was an active member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church. John enjoyed hunting and fishing and raising beagles. In his later years he enjoyed yard work and visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Nancy Reid and Ann Grey of Bedford, and Frances Martin of Bonifay, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lillian L. "Polly" Turner; a sister, Margaret Key of Bedford; two sons, John F. Turner of Pueblo, Colorado and Stephen L Turner and his wife Charlotte of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; three daughters at heart, Joan Turner of Roanoke, Rebecca Meadema and husband Sam of Danville, Beth Dooley and husband Eric of Bedford; four grandchildren, Joel Turner of Roanoke, Jo Beth Jones and husband Brian of Roanoke, Brad Turner of New York, New York, and Abby Steketee and husband Steve of Reno, Nevada;and 3 great grandchildren. The family requests that those wishing to make memorial to consider Bedford Fire Department, 315 Bedford Avenue, Bedford, VA 24523. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 10 AM at the Bedford Presbyterian Church officiated by John Salley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Bedford. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 3, 2013 from 6 until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.