Robert Turley, Sr.

Robert Allen Turley, Sr., 85, passed away May 19, 2024 after a long illness.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shirley; four children, Robert, Randal, Crystal, and Dana; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a large, extended family. His brother, Fred W. Turley, preceded him in death in 1998. Robert was a member of the Lutheran Church.

Robert was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri Oct. 7, 1938 to Beatrice and Bimel Turley and lived and worked on the family farm. He attended Poplar Bluff public school and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry.

He taught biology and chemistry classes at the high school for four years, then pursued a successful career in the poultry industry that culminated in becoming the President of Perdue Farms. Robert never asked his employees to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. He respected his employees for their valued skills and they thought very highly of him, because of his integrity, work ethic, and following through on his word.

Even though Robert was a driven professional, he appreciated his time outside of work. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hiker, snow skier, and water skier, and loved to explore different places while traveling. He looked forward to large family gatherings at the beach and during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving in New Orleans. Robert also loved to read and watched all the Clint Eastwood movies - he knew them all.

A funeral service was held May 24 with interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The family has asked that donations to the American Cancer Society may be made in lieu of flowers.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com.