FRAN E. TURNER

Fran E. Turner, 86, of Big Stone Gap, Va went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 22,2025. Fran was born in Clinchco, Va on November 8,1939. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Stant and Wanda Turner. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Schylor “Sharon” Flowers Turner; his daughters Karen Mullins and husband Shelcy, Wise, Va, Rhonda Dockery and husband Rick, Rye Cove, Va; his grandchildren Lawton Mullins, Bristol, Va; Chelsie Mullins, Bristol, Va, Shyla Casey Myers and husband Zachary of New Oxford, PA; Kendra Jessee and fiancé Richard Jones, Bristol, Tn and Afton Todd and husband Eli, Bristol, Tn; a brother Gary Turner, Big Stone Gap, Va and a sister, Reba Childress and husband Frank, Abingdon, Va and nieces, Shenia Hampton, husband Jamie and daughters, and Karee Mullins and husband Jason. 

Fran graduated from Haysi High School in 1957. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, ME as an in-flight refueling specialist with the Strategic Air Command. After four years of service, he returned to Southwest Va and joined his father hauling coal. Over the years, Fran continued in the coal industry where he became an owner and operator of several surface and deep mine operations. He was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Board of Examiners in the Division of Mines and served as an appointee to the Selective Service Board. 

He was a 50 plus year member of the Clintwood Masonic Lodge #66, AF and AM, member of Kazim Temple of Roanoke where he was Potentate in 1994, Cyrene Commandry #21 Knights Templar, Scottish Rite Bodies of Roanoke, Order of the Eastern Star #134, Norton, VA; Wise County Shrine Club and Powell Valley Shrine Club. He held several offices within the previously mentioned organizations. 

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 11am – 1pm with a Celebration of Life service following. 

Military rites, by the U. S. Air Force Honor Guard, Shaw AFB, SC and local DAV and VFW posts, and a Masonic Service will immediately precede the Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made in Fran’s honor to Mountain Empire Older Citizen Fuel Assistance Fund or Powell Valley Shrine Club Transportation fund. Contributions for Mountain Empire Older Citizens can be sent to MEOC, P.O. Box 888, Big Stone Gap, Va 24219. You can also donate online. Contributions for Powell Valley Shrine Club transportation fund can be sent to 384 Shady Rd. Jonesville, Va. 24263. 

Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Turner family.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.