June 30, 2021, 84, Goldsboro –

Rev. Gene Turner, 84, was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, whom he so faithfully served, on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. He was born on May 27, 1937, one of ten children, into the family of Clayton and Della Blizzard Turner of Pink Hill. Even from a young age, Gene seemed to be a leader; during his school years, he was elected as President of the FFA and President of Student Government. As a farmer’s son, he also helped in the fields and various other farm work until he graduated from high school and began work with the government as a buyer in the Peanut Market.

In summer of 1959, he met the love of his life, Anne Marie Futrelle, and they were married in 1960. On December 23, 2020, they celebrated 60 wonderful years together.

Also, during their early years of marriage, Gene joined the Army Reserve and served his country honorably for six years.

In 1963 he began working with the NC Forestry Service and was with them for over 30 years. During this time, he pursued studies in preparation for the ministry. He earned ordination and began pastoring in 1966, and with the exception of one year on sabbatical, has pastored for 55 years.

Those who knew him saw him as a pastor with a shepherd’s heart, who truly cared about people, and one who preached the Word of God without apology. Gene was one who never desired, or felt like he deserved, praise—but there will be those in heaven to greet him who is there because of his work for the Lord. He was a loving minister with deep convictions, a man of integrity and strength. Gene is now with his Lord whom he loved and served all these years. Though he will be so greatly missed by so many, we are rejoicing with him!

Gene is survived by his wife, Marie Futrelle Turner; brother, Troy Alex Turner and wife, Linda of Pink Hill; sisters, Mavis Turner Mercer of Beulaville and Helen Turner Gillette of Jacksonville; sisters-in-law, Melinda Turner of Pink Hill and Peggy Turner of Beulaville; and many nieces and nephews he loved very much.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister and five brothers.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service to celebrate Gene’s life in the chapel at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Preston Heath officiating. Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Turning Point Assembly, 347 W Broadway Street, Pink Hill, NC 28572.

Arrangements by Seymour Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to www.seymourfuneralhome.com.