David Russell Turner

David Russell Turner, 67, passed away at his home in Powhatan Virginia on Saturday July 8, 2017.
David was born in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA in 1949. He was the eldest of 4 siblings and is survived by his three younger sisters Cindy Fleischer, Cheryl Cicotello, and Cathy Turner.

David was, first and foremost, a devoted husband and father. His wife of 44 years, Mary Lynn Turner, son, Stephen, and daughter-in-law, Jenny, are deeply saddened by his sudden departure from this world. He is survived by two grandchildren, Lilly Katherine and Owen Stephen Turner, as well.

David and Mary Lynn first met while on vacation in Virginia Beach, he having just graduated from high school, and she taking a much needed summer break after teaching high school English. She was captivated by his striking good looks and dance moves and they spent an intense week together on the shore. David would pursue Mary Lynn for several months after, having fell in love quickly and completely. One of his greatest qualities was persistence and dedication to his passions. She would be his greatest love and a love that never dimmed throughout their long life together. Affectionally referred to as “Sunny”, she truly was the light of his life.

Shortly before marriage, David had the unique privilege to serve in the Navy and was stationed overseas on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kennedy. For months he traveled at sea and was able to experience many corners of the world - an opportunity not afforded to him given a modest upbringing. While in the Navy, David studied engineering and proudly achieved the title of HonorMan.

Following his service, he pursed an associates degree in Electrical Engineering at Devry University, graduating Valedictorian. His methodical and analytical mind was well suited to the rigors of E.E. and he applied this knowledge during his first professional job at the Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM. Working on the programing and development of solar technologies, David and the lab were on the forefront of what would become the green energy revolution. From his humble beginnings, David would move on from here to work for numerous technology companies including Digital Equipment Corp, Hewlett Packard, Northrup Grunman, and Molina Healthcare among others. He continued to achieve promotion after promotion, often surpassing others with more advanced degrees and pedigree due to his incredible work ethic, sharp intellect, and dedication to his craft. He held diverse titles and continued to learn and study throughout life, earning a Project Management Professional Certification among others. These attributes were passed along to his son who would survive the rigors of medical school only because of his fathers’ mantras regarding work, discipline, and persistence.

David worked hard, but always made time for his wife and son. He was a proud soccer and baseball coach and never missed a game or event that his son Stephen participated in. David was also affectionate and emotional, unusual for a man growing up in his era and always wore his emotions on his sleeve. He was in touch with his heart but reserved this for the few closest to him. A man of many interests and hobbies, he was an avid outdoorsman and spent much time hiking and backpacking through the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains, skiing in Colorado and West Virginia, fly fishing on the Snake River, and boating and enjoying wildlife locally at Lake Anna, VA. His home in Powhatan is surrounded by rich woods, and he was deeply fond of the squirrels, birds, and other creatures large and small that would visit and share the backyard.

David’s last few years were marked by numerous health problems that accelerated at a rapid pace. The family would like to acknowledge the many doctors, nurses, hospitals, and all manner of health care professionals who assisted him and his family during this time, especially those affiliated with the Chippenham Johnston-Willis Hospital.

Given David’s deep love of nature, in lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the National Wildlife Foundation or the Audubon Society in his honor.