William
Thomas
"Tom"
Turner
WILLIAM THOMAS (TOM) TURNER
June 7, 1939 - May 20, 2023
Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, William Thomas “Tom” Turner of Roanoke, Va., went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday May 20, 2023.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Buford and Mary Frances Turner.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Russell Turner; son, William Thomas Turner II; daughter, Mary Turner; stepchildren, Erin Varner and Kenneth Bradfield; brothers, Joseph Turner and James David Turner; sister, Mary Jane Crowder; grandchildren, Ian Turner, Cassandra Turner, Elijah Turner, Mara Turner, John Thomas Turner, Zachary Bradfield, Catherine Rego, Jacob Bradfield, and James Rowe; six great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
Tom always excelled at everything he put his mind to. In school he excelled in football and wrestling, never losing a match and proudly representing Jefferson High in the state championship football games. He won a football scholarship to Virginia Tech but for health reasons had to drop out. He went on to Bluefield Baptist College graduating as an ordained Baptist minister. He never became a minister. He often said, “being responsible for people’s souls was above his pay grade.”
After school he went to work for Kroger where he ran into an old schoolmate who encouraged him to work for the Retail Clerks Union (later to become the United Food and Commercial Workers Union). He took pride in helping people. As a union representative and organizer, he brought millions of workers better working conditions and benefits. His people skills made him the youngest individual to become an International Vice President. He also took pride in organizing and participating in many demonstrations and rallies during the civil rights movement. He always believed in equal rights for all people.
Tom retired in 1992 and as he put it, “became a burden on society.” At which time he joined the Botetourt Country Club and played golf with their seniors for many years. When his aging body caused him to quit golf, he picked up his guitar and began pickin’ and singin’ throughout the Valley. For nearly 25 years he entertained at nursing homes and local festivals while emceeing at weekly shows at the Clearbrook Country Gospel Sing and the Buck Mountain Gospel Sing at Lamplight Baptist Church.
The Funeral Service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Oakey’s East Chapel. Burial will follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Oakey’s East Chapel. We will be live-streaming the service for those who cannot attend. Click on the link below to view the service.
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NDc4MzUyMjI1MjU0MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
To view the Tribute/Photo video, click on the link below.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/DKDBSBY3BMRRZBQF
Online condolences may be made at www.Oakeys.com.