Ronald Lee Turbyfill

Ronald Lee Turbyfill, Sr. passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021 in the loving arms of his family and community at the Glenn Kiser Hospice House in Salisbury. Born on November 10, 1956 in Charlotte, he was the son of the late Benny Lawrence Turbyfill and Shirley Lucille Rogers Turbyfill. Ron was a 1975 graduate of West Charlotte High School and a 1979 graduate of East Carolina University where he received a Bachelor of Music. He continued his education with degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1988 with a Master of Music and in 1997 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction. On May 26, 1979, Ron married Kim Lee, the love of his life. During their 42 years together, they were devoted to each other and to their two sons, Lee and Lane. Ron was an educator all his life. He was the Band Director at West Rowan High School from 1979 to 1994. He was Assistant Principal at North Rowan Elementary (RSSS) and Pleasant Garden Elementary (GCS). He served as Principal at Sedgefield Elementary in Greensboro and returned to Rowan County to open Southeast Middle School. He also served as Principal at South Rowan High School and retired from Hanford Dole Elementary. After retiring, Ron received certification for Exceptional Children and taught at Nazareth Children’s Home, Kannapolis City Schools Alternative High School, A.L. Brown High School, and Hickory Ridge High School. In his last position, Ron served as Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Rowan County, after serving as Board Chair for many years. Ron was a devoted musician and shared his love of Christ through his music. Over the years he served as Choir Director at Enon Baptist Church in Salisbury, Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith, Saint James Lutheran Church in Rockwell, and Christ United Methodist Church of Salisbury. Ron was very proud of all his bands. In 2000, Ron organized the Rowan Big Band All-Stars, a 19-piece big band in the style of Glenn Miller and Count Basie. This band is dedicated to performing for local charities in the community. In 2019, Ron planned the first ever Rowan Salisbury Schools All-County Jazz Ensemble, which rehearsed with clinician Wally West and performed at Salisbury High School. Ron is survived by his loving wife, Kim; sons, Ronald Lee Turbyfill, Jr. (Jenna) of Greensboro and Donald Lane Turbyfill of Salisbury; twin brother, Donald Lee Turbyfill (Inger) of Houston, Texas. He was the best Papa ever to his granddaughter Charlotte “Lottie” Turbyfill. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Communities In Schools of Rowan County, 204 E. Innes Street #130, Salisbury, NC 28144. The family will receive friends at Powles Staton Funeral Home on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 5;00 PM until 7:00 PM. The memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at St. James Lutheran Church in Rockwell at 3:00 PM. Powles Staton Funeral Home is assisting the Turbyfill family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.