James "Wilbur" Turner Jr.

James “Wilbur” Turner, Jr., 93, of Raleigh, NC, died on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Born November 15, 1928, in Wilson, NC, he was the son of the late James Wilbur and Minnie Deans Turner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Sidney Chesley Turner.

Wilbur graduated from Charles L. Coon High School, then joined the Army. While stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, he joined the Army Air Corps. After his military service, he attended Atlantic Christian College, which he fondly referred to as “AC.” He had a variety of jobs, including owning a service station, working for the Army Corps of Engineers and the NC Department of Transportation, and being an adding machine technician, Realtor and salesman. He was an accomplished golfer, talented gymnast, and competitive pistol range shooter. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a devoted dad and grandfather.

Wilbur is survived by his former wife, Carolyn Outlaw Turner (Curtis Simmons) of Raleigh; son, J. Wilbur Turner, III (Cindy) and beloved grandson Caleb (UNC-Chapel Hill); son, David Thomas Turner (Kerry Schneider) of Somerville, MA; sister, Marie Battle Turner of Atlanta, GA; sister, Beatrice Thomlinson “Tommie” Lokey (Lee) of Atlanta, GA; sister-in-law, Barbara Turner of Atlanta, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

The family is especially grateful for the staffs at Transitions Hospice (Wake and Johnston counties) and the SECU Hospice House (Smithfield). They are truly angels here on earth.

A graveside service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson, NC on Saturday, April 30 at 1pm. Donations can be made to Transitions Hospice, SECU Hospice House of Smithfield, or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nationalcremation.com for the Turner family.