Rufus Turnage Obituary

Lester Turnage, 97, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Carolina East Medical Center.

A memorial service to honor Lester’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, April 22nd at Parkview Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. John Carswell. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Lester was born on August 10, 1926, in Goldsboro, NC, to the late Joseph and Caledonia Turnage. He led a remarkable life filled with dedication, passion, and service to his country and community.

Lester bravely served his country in the United States Navy during both World War II and the Korean War, demonstrating immense courage and commitment.

After his military service, Lester embarked on a career as a Computer System Analyst with civil service at Cherry Point. For an impressive 30 years, he devoted himself to his work with unwavering loyalty and professionalism until his well-deserved retirement. Working with computers was certainly one of his many passions in life. His talents extended beyond his professional life as he displayed exceptional skills in woodworking, building cabinets, and other fine-crafted items during his retirement years.

Beyond his professional achievements, Lester loved living on the coast. He enjoyed happy times sailing on his sailboat and loved fishing, particularly enjoying speckled trout fishing. Lester was always ready for a delicious seafood meal, oysters being his favorite.

Lester's faith was an integral part of his life, as evidenced by his walk with the Lord. He was one of the last remaining charter members of Parkview Baptist Church. Faithfully serving since the 50’s, Lester was a deacon and contributed to the grounds committee, those being just a few of the ways he displayed his servanthood.

Lester was a member of the Masonic Ocean Lodge #405, where he formerly held the role of past Master. He was also involved with the Eastern Star.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his children, John Turnage (Jenny) of Beaufort, Jeanie Russell (Russ) of Morehead City, Joe Turnage (Debbie) of Cape Carteret, Jeff Turnage (Merv) of Morehead City, Jay Turnage (Anne) of Morehead City; sister, Maryann Bailey of Jacksonville, FL; and sister-in-law, Florence McClain (Billy) of Wilmington. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Danielson Turnage, who passed away in 2022; brother, Oliver Turnage; brother-in-law, Ray Danielson; and grandson, Daniel Turnage.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to a Parkview Baptist Church, 4738 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557 or the Masonic Oxford Home for Children, 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.