Phillip E. Turpin

Phillip Eugene Turpin was born on June 3, 1958 to the late Ruth Ann and Phillip Turpin in Richmond, VA.  He was the third of six children.  He accepted Christ at an early age.

Turp, as he was so fondly called by many, was educated in Richmond public schools and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University in 2003.

He served in the United States Coast Guard for eight years.  Once leaving the military, he relocated to Hampton, VA and worked at Langley Air Force Base as a Chef for Nutritious Medicine for many years until his health forced him into retirement. 

Turp to some, Gene to others, was a giant in his community and was loved and respected by all. He was a family man, all that knew him, both near and far, he considered family.  He was known up and down the block for baking and distributing freshly baked cakes and cookies during the Christmas Holidays.  He was a hat collector of hats of every shape, color and style.  Watching Star Trex was a favorite activity.  The Pittsburgh Steelers was his favorite team.  You could hear hollowing and screaming at the players as if they could hear him.  Oh yes, he had his favorite language for them which we will not mention.  

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Benny Turpin and son, Steven Turpin.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted and loving wife of forty-five years, Pamela Renee Turpin; a devoted daughter, Anitra China-Brown (David); sisters, Priscilla Smith, Phyllis Walton and Yvette Knight; brothers, Steve Turpin, Christopher Turpin; sisters-in-law, Tanya C. China and Wanda Turpin; brothers-in-law, Jerome China (Mikki), Minister Levi China (Bonita), Christopher China (Renee) and Thomas Barnes (Terry); grandchildren, Tamia China (John), Ahmad Brown, Daija Brown; great grandson, Langston China (his buddy) and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Some devoted friends, James Scott, Melvin and Maxine Fogg, Johnny McMillian and the entire neighborhood of West Sewell Avenue and devoted friends from Langley Air Force Base.

Phillip Turpin was a giant to his family, friends and neighbors.  He will never be forgotten.  His memory will live on forever.

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