The Rev. Jerry Edward Turner, a devoted man of God, loving husband, cherished father, Poppy, Papa, and faithful servant to others, was born on June 4, 1946, in York, South Carolina, to Grady Turner and Ellen Montgomery Turner. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and love that touched countless lives.
Jerry graduated from Rockingham High School in 1965. In 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Mitchell Turner, beginning a beautiful love story that spanned 60 years. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and enduring love.
That same year, Jerry began serving his country in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably from 1966 to 1970. Following his honorable discharge, he began a 27-year career as a conductor with CSX Railroad. Although he spent many years working on the railroad, his greatest calling was serving the Lord and sharing His love with others.
Jerry attended seminary and answered God’s call to ministry. He faithfully served as pastor of Fall Branch Baptist Church in Lilesville and Heritage Baptist Church in Rockingham before becoming associate pastor of Roberdel Baptist Church, where he continued his ministry until his retirement in 2012. During his time there, the preschool children fondly and lovingly called him “Pastor Papa.” The special name began with his grandson and was quickly adopted by the other children because of the warmth, kindness, and love Jerry shared with them.
Jerry’s love for the Lord was the foundation of his life. He believed that faith was not simply something to be spoken, but something to be lived each day through compassion, kindness, and a willingness to help others. He had a heart for people and a passion for mission work, always seeking opportunities to share God’s love and make a difference in the lives of those around him.
Even after retiring from pastoral ministry in 2012, Jerry’s desire to serve others never faded. He continued answering that calling by volunteering as a chaplain for the Rockingham Fire Department, offering spiritual support, encouragement, and compassion to those who needed it.
Jerry was also a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Hamlet, where he continued to live out his faith and share in the fellowship of the church family he cherished.
While Jerry’s life was marked by years of faithful service to his country, his community, and the church, his most cherished roles were those of husband, father, and grandfather. He was a man who loved deeply and loved the Lord wholeheartedly. His love for his family reflected the faith he carried throughout his life. The compassion he showed others, the kindness he extended, and the love he gave so freely were among the greatest gifts he leaves behind.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 60 years, Brenda Mitchell Turner; his daughters, Pam Turner Thompson (Troy) and Sonja Turner Frye (Jason); his five beloved grandchildren, Miranda Thompson Truett (Dakota), T.J. Thompson, Maddox Frye, Landry Frye and Willow Frye; and his three great-grandchildren, Kolton Truett, Asher Truett and Kensleigh Thompson. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lynda Mitchell Davenport; his niece, Tami Davenport Brown; and his nephew, Scott Davenport; as well as many other loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, and family members. He will also be lovingly remembered by his faithful companion and best furbaby, Reesie, who brought him a special kind of joy.
Though his earthly ministry has ended, Jerry’s legacy of faith, compassion and love will continue through the lives he touched and the family he cherished. His family finds comfort in knowing that the man who spent his life serving the Lord and sharing His love has now entered into the presence of his Savior.
We can imagine the words he longed to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
Jerry’s life was a testament to what it means to love deeply, serve faithfully, and walk humbly with the Lord. His earthly presence will be profoundly missed, but the love he gave, the faith he lived, and the legacy he leaves behind will never fade.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 from 11 a.m.-noon at First Baptist Church, Hamlet.
The funeral service will immediately follow visitation, beginning at noon, with the Rev. Dr. Allison Farrah officiating. Burial will follow at Eastside Cemetery, Rockingham.
Memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church, Kitchen Remodel Fund, 208 Charlotte St., Hamlet, NC 28345; or Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Turner family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
