Claude Edward Turner, Jr., 73, of Galax, passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 at Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC. Born in Scott County Virginia on June 17, 1938. He was the son of the late Jeanella McCormick Turner and Claude Edward Turner, Sr of Gate City, VA. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Irene Noell Turner; one daughter, Noelle Turner Cockrell and her husband Randy Cockrell of Acworth, GA, along with their children, Turner James, Parker Randall and Katheryn Grace; and one son, Edward Randolph Turner and his wife, Barbara Ann Turner and their children Alexandra Perna and Evan George, of Simpsonville, SC. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Turner Wooten, of Kingsport, TN.

He graduated from Roanoke College after serving in the Army during the Berlin Conflict in artillery as a Fire Direction Officer with the rank of Sergeant. He began his career with W.H. Kress and spent the majority of his career in the furniture industry. He was a past Sales Manager at both Coleman Furniture and Pulaski Furniture of Pulaski, VA and was past Vice President of Sales at Webb Furniture Industries, of Galax, VA from which he retired in 2004. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Galax and was a long standing member and past Exalted Ruled of the Elks Lodge in Pulaski.

In retirement he found great pleasure in researching his genealogy, making trips to Eastern Tennessee and utilizing many other sources to ensure the record of his descendants would be passed on. He also parlayed his knowledge and appreciation of furniture into wood working, creating numerous unique and treasured items for his grandchildren and children. He also used his talents to create pieces to benefit The Galax Arts Council and the Galax School of the Arts.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Monday, February 6, 2012 at First United Methodist, Galax. The family will receive visitors from 4 to 6 p.m at on Sunday, February 5 at Vaughan Guynn Funeral Home, Galax

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Construction of the Woodworking Studio at the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, PO Box 417, Galax, VA 24333 or to the charity of your choice