Charles Edward Turner Sr., 75, of Charlotte, died early Thursday morning, July 23, 2015 in Duke Memorial Hospital in Durham after a short period of declining health.

He was born July 21, 1940, in Far Rockaway, N.Y., son of the late John Orgery Turner and Helen Wilson Turner.  He was reared in Mocksville, where he attended Davie County Training School (now Davie High School).  He began employment at an early age with Dixie Sugar Factory in Lexington. He eventually returned to his place of birth, Far Rockaway, where he worked as a presser at a dry cleaner. He later became a construction worker for Gunner Construction Co. in Hempstead, N.Y., for many years until his health declined. He worked briefly for Tri-State Daily Newspaper Co., from which he retired. He married and divorced Doris Phiffer, and in this union four children were born. He was a strong believer in being responsible for his household, working hard to provide for his family. He followed many of the teachings of his grandparents, Daniel and Annie Ijames Wilson. Although Charles faced many emotional and physical hurdles in his life, he still had the ability to be free harded, kind, and a caring person. He loved to bring laughter to those in his presence. He returned to Charlotte to be closer to his children.

Preceding him in death include a daughter, Carla Turner, and a brother, John Lewis Turner.

Survivors: 2 sons, Charles Edward Turner Jr. of Mocksville and Anthony (Teresa) Turner of Durham; a daughter, Donna Turner-Finger; a brother, Daniel F. Turner of Far Rockaway; 5 sisters, Lottie Ann Crawford of Jamaica, N.Y., Betty Chandler of Charlotte, Anne “Liz” Thompson of Mocksville, Lois Pennick of Far Rockaway, Susan Cole of Winston-Salem; an uncle, Wilmer “Pete” Wilson of Detroit, Mich.; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral service was to be Wednesday, July 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home in Mocksville. Minister Lillian Cockerham was to officiate and the Rev. Johnny Ruff was to deliver the eulogy. The family was to receive friends at the funeral home 30 minutes before the service.

Condolences: www.GrahamFuneralHome.net.