Samuel Lee Turnage

Samuel Lee "Sam" Turnage, 94, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 3, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Garner Funeral Home in Kinston, North Carolina, followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place afterward at Wintergreen Cemetery. 

Sam, son of the late Herman and Callie Turnage, was a native of the Wintergreen community in Craven County. He attended Fort Barnwell High School and, following graduation, continued farming in Craven County. Around 1953, Sam met the love of his life, Frances Elaine Quinn of Kinston. They married and began raising their family together. 

Sam later transitioned into a career in carpentry, which allowed him to build a home for his family in Lenoir County, where he and Frances eventually retired. In his later years, Sam enjoyed dancing with friends at the Galaxy and spending time talking with friends at McDonald’s — simple pleasures that meant so much to him. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances Quinn Turnage; his birth mother, Sarah Webber Turnage; his parents, Herman and Callie Turnage; his son, David Lee Turnage; his grandson, Michael Corey; and his brother, Eugene “Gene” Turnage, who passed within 11 hours of each other. 

Sam is survived by his children, Debra Hunnings (Ivey), Kathy Corey, and Larry Turnage (Pam); his grandchildren, Paul (Charlotte), Jennifer, Deanna (Brandon), Lisa (Dale), Samantha (Henry), and Aaron (Darrah). 

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Alyssa (Sean), Bradleigh, Morgan (Jake), Lauren, Katherine (Grady), Jordan, Balie, Heather (Jason), Callie, Tripp, David (Katie), Demi (Heather), Kayleigh, Luke, Cole, Dustin (Samantha), Caitlin (Bevin), Jadin (Sailor), Cassidy, Bladen, Kaylyn, Makenzie, Brooke, Maddox, David, Paisley, and Remington. 

His legacy continues through his great-great-grandchildren: Marcus, Rylynn, Jane, Rylee, Kash, Alexander, Zeppelin, Townes, Summit, Samuel, Carter, Noah, Josie, Carter, Mauve, Ada, Wyatt, Axel, Nora, James, Scarlette and Weston.

He also leaves behind his beloved grand dog, Beau.  

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of 3HC, as well as his special caregivers, Nurse Caroline and Nurse Aide Lois, for the compassionate care they provided. 

Sam will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, devotion to family, and the friendships he cherished throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will be carried on for generations to come.