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CAPRON – Willie Lee Turner of Angelico Road, Capron, departed this life on Jan. 9, 2021, in Southern Virginia Medical Center, Emporia. He was born on Feb. 4, 1938, in Capron.

For 37 years, Willie was employed with Georgia Pacific Corporation and retired in 2003. He was a member of Mars Hill Baptist Church, where he served on the trustee board for 54 years, while 17 of those years were dedicated to the office of chairman. He also was a Sunday school member and an executive board member.

Willie was married to Mary Betty Wynn Turner, who preceded him in death on July 17, 2016. He was also predeceased by his mother, Helen Marie Turner Ricks and father, Adam Brown; sister, Joyce Ann Ricks; and brother, Albert Ricks.

Willie’s memory will always live in the hearts of four sisters, Ethel Mae Ricks, Fannie B. Barnes, Diane Harris and Linda Rae; seven brothers, Matthew Ricks (Jackie), John Ricks (Joyce), Eugene Ricks (Gracie), Linwood Ricks, Bernard Ricks, Wallace Ricks (Sadie) and James Ricks; goddaughter, Towanda Mayes (Geroy); nieces, nephews, cousins and his extended family, three sisters-in-law, Eunice Rivers, Romine Carpenter, Peggy Wynn; and two brothers-in-law, William Wynn and Jerry Wynn (Bernetha).

A public viewing will be held in the funeral home from 1 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21. A graveside service for Willie Lee will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, in Mars Hill Church Cemetery, 20315 Carys Bridge Road, Capron, with the Rev. Kenneth Hawthorne delivering the message. A service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 S. Main St., Franklin. Please share your condolences with the family at wmjohnsonandsons.com.

Due to COVID-19, please adhere to the guidelines as set by the state of Virginia, which includes wearing a mask to enter.