Charles Leon Turner passed away quietly surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 5 ^th , 2017, after a long battle with cancer. "Leon," as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was born on March 26 ^th , 1936 to the late Ethel Harris Turner and Burnett Turner.

Leon grew up in Spout Spring, Virginia, graduating from Carver Price High School. He briefly attended Virginia State College. After marrying Dora Watkins of Appomattox, VA, the couple, like many young couples who married in the mid 1950's migrated north, settling in Philadelphia, PA, where their two children, Michael and Kathy were born.

Upon moving to Philadelphia in the mid 1950's, Leon held several jobs. He worked briefly at the Carson Plant in Ambler, PA and on the maintenance staff at Lynnewood Gardens. He drove a bus for the Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC) before beginning a long career in law enforcement.

Leon served as a Philadelphia Police officer from about 1960 until he returned to Spout Spring, VA in 1976, when he became one of Appomattox County's Deputy Sheriffs. He was one of few African-Americans on the Philadelphia police force in the 1960's and was also one of few African-Americans to serve in the Appomattox County Sheriff's Department in the mid 1970's. At 6'4" tall and over 200lbs., Leon cut an imposing figure in his police uniform, and never hesitated to share stories about his exploits as a law enforcement officer.

Leon was ever the businessman. He moved back to Virginia in 1976 to serve as managing partner of the Pine View Home for the Aged, which he owned with his two brothers, William and Clinton. Later, he became a partner at the Franklin-Turner Funeral Home in Lynchburg, VA. After his stint in the funeral home business, Leon owned and operated a stump grinding business until his illness forced him to retire.

Leon had what could be described as "special hands." With no formal training, he did plumbing, electrical and carpentry work and wasn't afraid to tackle any job. He loved fixing things and spent countless hours with friends working on automobiles, tractors and farm equipment in both of his garages.

Leon liked people and he liked to talk. He was the classic extrovert. He always kept something going and loved to tease and needle folk. On any given day, you could find Leon riding somewhere in his pickup truck, either getting his morning coffee at McDonald's, his lottery tickets at the Quickee Food Store, or grinding stumps in some far-flung county.

Leon was most proud of his grandsons, Alex, Jarred and Marcus. He was a doting grandfather, and enjoyed spending time with all three of his grandsons.

Leon was a faithful and active member of Mt. Shiloh Baptist church in Spout Spring, VA, where he served on the Trustee Board and as Treasurer of the Men's Ministry.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dora; two children, Michael (Annette) and Kathy Lockett (Ricky); a brother, Clinton (Aldora) and sister-in-law (Celestral); grandsons Alexander Turner, Jarred Turner and Marcus Lockett; nieces Gwendolyn Turner and Tamera Turner, nephews Michael Benjamin Turner and Clinton V. Turner Jr. (Kara); great nieces Kayla Turner and Karrington Turner and numerous other family members and friends.