James Robert (Bob) Turner, 95, of Normantown, WV, passed away peacefully after a short illness at the Louis A Johnson Veterans Hospital in Clarksburg, WV, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with his loving wife of 70 years, Wyene (Bush) Turner by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lucy Turner, as well as his siblings, Billy Turner and Betty Wilt all of Glenville, WV.
Bob was born in Glenville, WV, on February 22, 1930. He began working at a young age in his family’s milling and timber business. He often mentioned that, at just 15 years old, he regularly hauled lumber throughout West Virginia and Ohio—without of course, a driver’s license.
With his tall height and natural strength, he excelled in athletics. His skills drew the attention of Hall of Famer and Marshall College’s head basketball coach, Cam Henderson, who would offer him a scholarship. Marshall College, however, was not the right fit. Before long, Bob returned home and joined the Glenville State Pioneers basketball team.
In the 1950’s, with Bob’s leadership, the Glenville State basketball team became a powerhouse. With Bob as its captain,
the team won multiple WVIAC tournament titles and traveled to the NAIA Championship in Kansas City, Missouri. Along the way, Bob earned multiple accolades including All-Tournament, All-Conference, and, eventually, induction into Glenville State’s Hall of Fame.
Bob’s college career would be interrupted by his service in the United States Army during the Korean War. His service took him to Germany and away from school, family, and friends, but he eventually returned to Glenville State to finish his basketball and college career.
Around this time, Bob scored the greatest victory of his life when he captured the attention of a sophomore beauty, Wyene Bush. Their wonderful life and marriage together of more than 70 years would follow.
Bob began his career with Dowell, starting as a truck driver before being promoted to a supervisor/dispatcher position. But much like Marshall, Dowell wasn’t a good fit. One day, Bob came home to Wyene and announced that they had received an offer on the sale of their house, he had quit his job, and he was going to start building homes. This decision led to Bob to establish a contracting business that spanned decades, building homes in both Florida and West Virginia.
The contracting business created a rhythm of spending winters in Florida and the summers in West Virginia. He and Wyene established homes in The Villages, Florida, and on
Barbecue Rd in Normantown, West Virginia—both of which became welcoming spaces for many friends and family.
After retiring, Bob fell in love with two things– God and golf– in that order. He loved exploring scriptures, reading the Bible daily, and sharing interpretations with others. He was deeply dedicated to his churches, Tanner Chapel and New Bethel Community Church, and to their members and leaders. Pastors Alfred Hickman and Isaac Dees became his inspirational guides.
One thing Bob always made time for was family and friends. His many nieces and nephews became like his children. Bob was always up for a hike, fishing, camping, or a canoeing adventure. Uncle Bob and Aunt Wyene were fun, and we were right to love him so much.
For all that knew him, what will be missed most were his stories. He loved to share humorous lessons from his life, bringing joy through laughter and smiles. He loved people and people loved him. Bob’s legacy of faith, family, friendship, and laughter will live on in the many, many lives he touched.
The family would like to thank the Louis A Johnson Veteran Hospital, Tanner Chapel church members, and special friend Margie Turner for their love and support.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:26
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the Gilmer County Senior Center beginning at 2:00pm.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of James Robert “Bob” Turner with cremation arrangements.
