Ronald Lee Turbyfill Rockwell, North Carolina Obituary

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.
November 10, 1956 - July 29, 202111/10/195607/29/2021
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4 trees planted in memory of Ronald Lee Turbyfill.
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Linda Wright
August 17, 2021
Hi Kim. I was sad to hear of Ron's passing. I pray that God will strengthen you and your family during this time and the days ahead. I'm thankful for the friendship we shared even though we have been out of touch. Sending you hugs from B town. Linda
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Betty Stack
August 10, 2021
It was so nice to reconnect and see Ron after many years! I remember in high school when we were all very close. The Turbyfill brothers were destined for greatness with their leadership abilities and goodwill towards others. Ron made a positive impact on all who knew hi... Continue Reading
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Sandra Wagoner
August 9, 2021
Mr. Turbyfill (Turb as wee called him), was my favorite teacher at West Rowan High School. He was a great man, husband, father and teacher. He inspired his students with his love for music and helped them to excel. He will be greatly missed! Sandra Poole Wagoner Class of... Continue Reading
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Hulene Woody
August 8, 2021
I first met Ron when my son Jessie played tenor sax in the band at WRHS, my youngest son was at SRHS during his time there. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched. You have our deepest sympathy. You will remain in ... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Ronald Lee Turbyfill.
A candle was posted for Ronald Lee Turbyfill.
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Joanna Smith
August 4, 2021
Working with Ron and his brother at West Charlotte was one of the highlights of my first year of teaching.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Ronald Lee Turbyfill. Plant a tree

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Board of Directors/ Staff Communities in Schools of Rowan
August 4, 2021
The Board of Directors and Staff of CIS Rowan, offer heartfelt condolences. Ron's Legacy will be memorialized through the live he touched in CISR.
Soft and Sweet Memories

Soft and Sweet Memories was purchased for the family of Ronald Lee Turbyfill.

A tree was also planted in memory of Ronald Lee Turbyfill.
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Diana Myers
August 4, 2021
I first met Ron when he was at West Rowan HS and have known him for many years. He was a wonderful man who loved his family and cared deeply for students. He so kindly shared his talents with our community. Rest In Peace. Diana Myers
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John and Joyce Sloop
August 4, 2021
Words are undescribable of how he touched the lives of so many, including John and me. Everyone is going to miss him so much but we thank God we were blessed to know him and look forward to the great reunion one day. Kim, and children we ask God to comfort you and provi... Continue Reading
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Kevin Ross Turbyfill
August 4, 2021
With sincere love and affection . He meant so much to so many and the heavens will now be truly musical as he now joins the band.
Heavenly Love

Heavenly Love was purchased for the family of Ronald Lee Turbyfill.

A tree was also planted in memory of Ronald Lee Turbyfill.
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Patti Secreast
August 3, 2021
Ron was a giant of a man in every way. He lived a life of dedication , faithfulness, and service to his God, his family, friends, coworkers, students, and community. He left big shoes to fill and made the world a better place. He probably already has a band together in h... Continue Reading