Charles Ralph Turlington

Charles Ralph Turlington, 76, of Chincoteague Island, VA, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, December 26, 2022.  He was born in Owings Mills, MD on May 1, 1946, to the late Ralph and Ruth (Shipe) Turlington.  Charles Ralph was a man of many talents.  He could create anything he put his mind to.  A carpenter by trade he worked wherever his hammer was needed.  From learning the ropes with the crews in Ocean City to building scows with Mr. George Bowden, Charles Ralph learned by doing and he did it well.  He married the light of his life, Juanita Mae Shreves, on September 12, 1964.  They created a home filled with much love and laughter with their two daughters, Dawn and Tanya.

Charles Ralph and Juanita enjoyed their time together from sailing in the boat, weekends up the bay, and so many family gatherings.  He loved his up the bay hunting trips with Herbie Lee, Little Ray, and all the boys.  He was a person you could call to help build or fix anything.  He loved Christmas and was known to start playing Christmas music as soon as Pony Penning was done.  His life was full and content.  The unexpected passing of Juanita took the light from Charles Ralph’s eyes in 2004.  He continued but he was doing the motions not living life.

Charles was a member of Union Baptist Church and the Ready Sunday School class.  He retired from Assateague National Park Service as a maintenance mechanic in 2006 after working many years with his brother, Bobby Turlington, and his good friend, Ishmael Ennis.

Charles Ralph is survived by his daughters, Dawn Birch of Chincoteague Island, VA, and Tanya Derrickson and her husband, Gannon, of Temperanceville, VA; his grandchildren, Marty Birch, Jr., and his wife Laci of Hampton, VA, Kaitlyn Bradds and her husband, Michael of New Church, VA, and Melissa Perry-Pruitt and her husband, Austin of Havelock, NC; his great grandchildren, Logan, Lexi, and Bentley Birch of Hampton, VA and Adrian Bradds of New Church, VA; his sister, Betty Rae Miller of Atlantic, VA and sisters-in-law, Marion Jean Adams, Billie Ann Bowden, and Jerry Lou Turlington of Chincoteague Island, VA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife, Juanita Mae “Snooks”, his brother, George R. Turlington, and his son-in-law, Martin E. Birch, Sr.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, Chincoteague Island, VA with Reverend Eley officiating.  Burial will take place at John W. Taylor Cemetery in Temperanceville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Baptist Church, 6365 Church Street, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336.  Online condolences can be given at www.salyerfh.com.  Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 6327 Church Street Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

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