Turner, Sr., Edgar Craig
Edgar “Ed” Craig Turner Sr. passed away in his home in Christiansburg, VA, on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Ed was a man of many talents and interests who loved his family and friends well.
Born September 1, 1956, Ed was the second child of Ernest Craig Turner, Jr. and Janet Reed Turner of Blacksburg, VA. Ed leaves behind his sister Marilyn Lyga and his brother Doug Turner. Of his childhood memories, Ed spoke fondly of fishing with his father, his mother’s ability to put on a fantastic party, and the antics of a rambunctious boy who made sure life was never too quiet in the Turner household.
Ed was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Sherri (Reid) Turner, who passed away on May 6, 2019. Ed and Sherri met while students at Appalachian State University in North Carolina in 1975. They were married on August 22, 1976. Ed and Sherri were married for 42 years. Sherri’s death had a profound impact on Ed, who was a dedicated husband and loving care-giver to his wife.
Ed and Sherri leave behind two children, Becca (Turner) Ratcliff and Edgar Craig Turner, Jr.. Becca and Craig will hold on to memories of their father and will pass stories of Ed on to his four grandchildren.
Ed’s care for his wife and family are the legacy which his children seek to pass on to his grandchildren. This is one way they will hold close to the memory of their “Opa”.
For 32 years Ed worked as an electrical engineer at Kollmorgen, where he viewed his coworkers as friends and family. Sadly, Ed was only able to enjoy a few months of what should have been a long and well-earned retirement.
In his free time, Ed was a long-time member of the Sauerkraut Band where he often filled the position of 1st chair trumpet. For many years he also played trumpet in the orchestra for Summer Musical Enterprises of Blacksburg and the Blacksburg Community Band. Ed loved to play trumpet and also loved to joke about the boisterous spirit of trumpet players, often at the expense of his son, who plays trombone.
Of his other interests, Ed loved to ride his motorcycle down country roads, watch football, and care for his dogs – his faithful companions. Ed was a great storyteller and loved to enjoy a good meal and good conversation with friends and family.
Family and friends are welcome to remember Ed and celebrate his legacy. The service will be held on April 29, 2023 at Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren (950 Heather Dr, Blacksburg, VA 24060) from 10:00-11:00.
March 27, 2023 @ 5:47 pm
As we both turned slowly into senior citizens, Ed became fun to talk to on Facebook, full of irony joy, cynicism, and he was an observer and commentator on human nature with plenty to say in a few sentences. I grew to love him, a faraway stranger with the core of a childhood pal, because we both stayed musicians. I haven’t seen him since we were teens, unless maybe it was at a funeral… our parents were fond of each other, I sang in the BPC choir with my parents when I was an alto, a tenor, and then a bass. Anyway I’m sorry he was hit so hard by his beloved wife’s death… he truly was. My faith has me feeling a happy relief they’re re-united and noticing the huge pile of fond memories their kids and friends have piled up over a lifetime.