Richard Turner

Richard Lester Turner passed away at Sovah Health - Danville on October 11, 2021, after a brief illness at the age of eighty. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, on September 25, 1941, he was the son of Paul Lester and Virginia Ikenberry Turner. Richard was raised in Rocky Mount, Virginia and later moved to Danville, Virginia. Danville was more than the place he lived; it was the place he proudly called and chose to be home. It was where he met his bride, Elizabeth Olive Turner. They shared fifty-six years together and raised their daughters, Beth and Karen. Richard received his Associate Degree in accounting from National Business College in Roanoke, VA. Upon graduation in 1962, he was employed as a public accountant with Manning, Perkinson, and Floyd. Richard served in the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1969. In 1973, he accepted a position with the City of Danville as Assistant City Manager, a post he dutifully and faithfully embraced for 25 years, including two terms as Interim City Manager. Later, he returned to serve Danville as the Interim City Treasurer. Richard continued his affiliations with the City of Danville through his volunteerism by serving on various boards, including the Utility Commission, the Multi-Year Financial Planning Advisory Committee, and the Industrial Development Authority where he was the former Chairman. Richard held various leadership positions for the Danville City Employees Federal Credit Union. He was also an active member of the City of Danville Retiree Group. Richard’s continued support of the community extended to the Danville Life Saving Crew and Danville Area Training Center where he served on the Board of Directors as well as a financial advisor. He was bestowed with the honor of being a Lifetime Honorary Board Member by the Danville Life Saving Crew, the highest honor a non-crew member can receive. Other honors he received included being selected as the Danville Sertoma Sertoman of the Year on two occasions, 2007 Dan River Center for Volunteerism Volunteer of the Year, and 2007 Kiwanis Club Citizen of the Year. He was an active member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Over the years, he had served on its Church Council, Mount Vernon UMC Foundation Board, and other various church committees. Richard is survived by his wife, Betty; and two daughters, Beth deAristizabal (Ashley) and Karen Blachura (Eddie). Also surviving are his grandchildren: Abby deAristizabal Via (Josh), Brendan deAristizabal, and Katie Blachura. Richard's life centered around his family, his grandchildren being his greatest joy. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Mary Jo LaPrade. A graveside service will be held at Highland Burial Park on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Jae Cho of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church officiating. Those in attendance are requested to wear a mask. The family will greet friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541 or Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541.