Andrew L. Turner, Jr., 90, better known to club members as “Andy,” passed away on December 16, 2009 holding the hand of his wife of almost 67 years and surrounded by the six children he raised and loved. He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn Turner; his daughters, Sydney Turner of Boston, MA, Leslie Babcock of Roanoke, VA, and Courtney Turner of Arlington, VA and Ankara, Turkey; his sons, Andrew Turner III of Raleigh, NC, Marion Roberts Morrissett of Richmond, VA, and Michael Turner Morrissett of Roanoke, VA; and his 10 grandchildren.

Andy was born in Roanoke, VA. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout when he was 13 years old. Andy was second in his class at Virginia Military Institute (Class of 1940) and a member of the horse-drawn field artillery. He was planning to attend his 70th reunion at VMI in the spring of 2010. Andy was stationed in India for two years during World War II, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and receiving the Bronze Star. Before going into service, he met Evelyn Stearns of Richmond on a blind date and they were married in 1943 before he went overseas. Andy and Evelyn settled in Roanoke after he was discharged from the service. He was active in Roanoke’s First Baptist Church and maintained his church membership there for almost 90 years, having been enrolled in the church nursery when he was about 2-years old. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Chairman of the Finance Committee. He was both past president and lieutenant governor of Kiwanis International, a Hospice volunteer and a passionate advocate and board chairman of the Salvation Army where he loved ringing the bell at Christmas.

Andy made his first trip to the “Rivah” during a fishing trip with his father. He and his family joined the ranks of summer people on Fishing Bay more than 50 years ago. In 1994, Andy and Evelyn moved to Deltaville permanently. He was active in the YMCA, the Power Squadron, the Rivers Club, Fishing Bay Yacht Club, the ROMEOs, Turkey Hunters of the Northern Neck, Lower United Methodist Church, the Deltaville Maritime Museum, Great Decisions, the Deltaville Community Association and numerous other organizations. Andy loved fishing, hunting, playing cards, dancing, golf, crossword puzzles, reading and genealogy. He was fascinated by computers and modern technology and he wrote “pomes” for every major occasion. He could make a pattern and sew a garment or soothe a crying grandchild within the embrace of his large hands. He taught each grandchild to fish and he enjoyed being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Andy also loved his country and was a true patriot whose eyes would fill with tears over the “Star Spangled Banner” or “America the Beautiful.”

Though Andy wasn’t a sailor, he and Evelyn joined Fishing Bay Yacht Club in 1969 and several of their children were in the junior program. Always faithful club members, they were active participants in the Wednesday Night Dinner group where they often served as “hosts” and usually smoked a turkey for the group’s Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. They also provided ice cream on a number of occasions to the children involved in Junior Week at the club.

A celebration of Andy’s life will be held at the Lower United Methodist Church in Hartfield, VA on Monday, December 28, at 11:00 a.m. A memorial service is planned for April 10, 2010 in Roanoke. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Deltaville Rescue Squad, 17684 General Puller Highway, Deltaville, VA 23043; the Lower Middlesex Fire Department, 16881 General Puller Highway, Deltaville, VA 23043; or the Deltaville Maritime Museum, P.O. Box 466, Deltaville, VA 23043. Condolences may be sent to the family at 1289 Fishing Bay Road, Deltaville, VA 23043.

NOTE: Credit is given to Andy’s daughter, Sydney Marshall Turner, for the loving memories of her father contained in this Memoriam. Thank you Sydney.