JACKSONVILLE  -  Rev. Edward Lee Turnage, 95, of 870 Mill River Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on October 24, 1930, he lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, perseverance, and a deep love for reading, music, and ministry.

Edward married his high‑school sweetheart, Hazel Maureen Turnage, with whom he shared three daughters. Though life carried their family through many seasons, the bond between them remained an important part of his story, and their connection endured across the years.

As a young man, Edward proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps in Alaska.

Called to ministry early in life, Edward served faithfully as a pastor in the Free Will Baptist Church. With a shepherd's heart and steady devotion to his congregation, he founded the First Free Will Baptist Church of Richlands, NC, where he preached, counseled, and built a spiritual home for many. His ministry touched countless lives, and his legacy continues in the community he helped shape.

He later served as pastor of Sandy Acres Free Will Baptist Church in Columbia, NC, and Mount Pleasant Free Will Baptist Church in Kannapolis, NC.

Upon retiring from pastoral ministry, Edward and Maureen became longtime members of Calvary Free Will Baptist Church on Haws Run Road, where they worshiped, served, and found fellowship among dear friends.

Edward loved simple joys — a good book, a quiet moment of reflection, and the gift of song. Whether lifting his voice in hymns or humming familiar tunes, music was one of the ways he expressed gratitude and joy throughout his life.

He understood both human weakness and God's great grace. Even in his imperfections, he remained devoted to the Lord and to the calling placed on his life. As the Scripture says in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ."

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ada Faye (Wiley) Keiser; his stepfather, George Keiser of Tucson, Arizona; and his daughter, Yvonne Nita Walton.

Edward is survived by his wife, Hazel Maureen Turnage; his daughters Francia Maureen Antinori and her husband, David and Theresa Lee Hollis and her husband Al; his son‑in‑law Russell Walton husband of Nita (deceased); grandchildren Trey Black, Gabe Black, Lila Black, Josh Walton, and William Hollis; great‑grandchildren Hunter, Beau, Savannah-Jo, Karli, Kelsey, Kinsley, and Mira; and countless nieces, nephews, and family friends.

Funeral services honoring his life and legacy will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Calvary Free Will Baptist Church on Haws Run Road, Maple Hill, where family, friends, and former parishioners will gather to remember a man who lived with purpose, conviction, and a pastor's heart. Pastor Henry Potter will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday morning, prior to the service, from 9:30 until 10:30 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Free Will Baptist Church, Haws Run Road, Maple Hill, NC 28454, or to First Free Will Baptist Church, 304 Barbee Road, Richlands, NC 28574.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Phyllis Shepard Bryan; to Veterans Affairs; and to the Liberty Hospice and United Home Health teams, who cared for him with compassion and dignity in his final days.