Obituary: Joseph Eugene "Gene" Turnage

Joseph Eugene “Gene” Turnage, 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Gordon Street Christian Church. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. Burial will follow at a later date in the Trenton Cemetery.

Gene, son of the late Herman and Callie Turnage, was a native of the Wintergreen Community in Craven County. Following his graduation from Farm Life High School in Vanceboro, he graduated from Coyne College in Chicago with a degree in electronics. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division. After being discharged in 1959, he served an additional two years in the Army Reserve. He owned and operated King TV from 1963 to 2022.

Gene was active in various clubs and organizations throughout Lenoir County. He was a proud 57-year-old member of the Lions Club, mostly with the Ram Neuse Club. He was a 47-year member of the Elks Lodge, No. 740, along with serving on the Board of Scouting, at Gordon Street Christian Church, Troop 41. He received the BSA God and Service Recognition as well as the James E. West Fellow Award. For over 30 years, he served on the board of directors for Lions Industries for the Blind and served on the Lenoir County Fair Association for many years. He also was a longtime member of Gordon Street Christian Church.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle. He enjoyed cooking a pig for them every July 4th and Labor Day. He also could be found spending time with his friends at The Captain’s Corner.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vernita J. Turnage; daughter, Mystie Turnage, both of Kinston; son, Kendall Turnage (Kathy) of Wilmington; grandchildren, Emma Turnage Sawtell (Olivia) of Greenville and Ellis Turnage of Kill Devil Hills; and many extended family members.

Later that same day, he was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel Lee Turnage.

The family would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice, as well as his special caregivers, Saundra Robinson and Linda Kilpatrick, for the care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gordon Street Christian Church, 118 E. Gordon Street, Kinston, 28501.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made at www.edwardsfhc.com