Harry Emerson Turley

Harry Emerson Turley, age 79, passed away June 25, 2010. Harry was born December 19, 1930 in Montgomery, West Virginia. He was the son of Emerson Kessner Turley and Lucille Melinda Nunley. He attended West Virginia Institute of Technology, the University of Houston, and the United States Air Force Electronics Service School. He was a sergeant in the Air Force and served as an electronics instructor at Kessler Air Force base in Biloxi, MS and Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, TX, teaching radio and radar. Harry worked as an electronics technician at Ediphone Corporation and McCollum Exploration Company. In 1958 his career took him to Baylor University College of Medicine, where he was chief electronics technician and to Texas Research Institute of Mental Sciences (TRIMS) where he was employed as a systems analyst. He retired from TRIMS in 1987. Harry was an accomplished swimmer and diver, and worked as a life guard while in Biloxi. He loved animals and would go out of his way to help any in need. His pets were always abandoned dogs he rescued. He was an intellectual with avid interests in a variety of topics. He was a talented woodworker, designer and photographer. Many blissful hours were spent in his woodshop and darkroom. His most recent endeavors involved restoration of old photographs for friends and family. He possessed a light-hearted sense of humor and an optimistic point of view. Harry is survived by his wife, Opal Eglenna Morgan Turley; daughter, Jeana Beth Christ and husband Douglas Leifeste; daughter Leigh Ellen Emerson and partner Carlos Lifschitz; loved ones and close friends. In lieu of flowers, it was his wish that contributions be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind ( www.guidedogs.com ).