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Godspeed Coach Tom Turner.
It is with much hurt, a heavy heart, and much sadness, i add this post. I received a call this morning.
That my former coach and my good friend of 25 + years has departed this world.
Remember the family in your thoughts and prayers.
I just heard, a piece of every bulldog's heart has just died with him. My condolences to Tom's family. He will be missed
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Prayers to the family and to all Dawg fans. His health must have been worse than most knew. He was a great coach and friend.
My thought and prayers go out to the family.
What can I say ? I didn't go to school at Appy, can't walk chew and gum and ain't smart enough to come in from the rain- Tom would tell me I didn't choose the easy way out, wasn't afraid of the weather and everybody had a home at Appy and he'd find me something to do. And he meant it.... And his wife and kids put their heart and soul into it also. His mother was gonna let me by her on the way out of a game last year. After taking the time to watch MY kid play, and telling me, " I'm sorry I'm slow, I'll move over, I might fall on you." The whole bunch was together. I could wait... I found something I could do, finally, if she stumbled, I might have caught her. When you get there Coach, don't let them throw the ball, hunt Ed Clark up . We are gonna miss you. If the rest find places that are better for them, I wish them all the luck. They'll carry me out if I go.
You left us way to soon friend. But you left a lot of lessons behind. And a lot that will never forget you. You rewote the words pride, heart, desire, respect, determination.
Your to small you don't have the numbers. And your gonna run the ball right at people.
How ridiculous is that.
But what many forgot, the driving force, behind that 3 yds and a cloud of dust.
A man who taught his kids to fight and fight to the end. And always if were still in it. We will win it in the second half.
Why because were smaller, but were stronger, and we want it more, we will have more heart when it counts. We will wear them down with our speed, and our quickness, and our small size.
And when it's over as long as you give it your all. You can look your team mate in the eyes with no regrets, then i will be pleased.
Play hard never quit, listen to that crowd out there. That is your family, your friends and this is your stadium. Take care of each other, and do what you know, and it will all come together.
Linemen take care of your backs, backs take care of your linemen. Were a team were suspose to have two things in common. To want to win and to look out for each other.
In the end all you have is your family. And were all family.
Well in the end i found out you was right Tom.
It was all about something you was teaching us and we didn't know it at the time.
Why do i care so much about this little, town and Appy High, because of a soft spoken man.
Who dared to say. Don't listen to what they say, set the standard where you want it. Work hard and earn your own respect.
Today with much mixed emotions. I continued to work, some times feeling those emotion come up, but remembering a man, who had that wink and smile that said, what did i tell you, hang around and keep the ball, they will quit if you make them.
The second half is ours. Well Tom you was right. You kept on going, into the second half, till the fourth quarter was over.
You won your fight and the victory is a place called heaven.
Maybe some day, if some of us are just lucky enough. We can meet again.
To my friend and his family. You will be truly missed. Thanks for all the lessons and thanks especially for the friendship.
A town today weeps over it's loss, of a coach, and many a Dawg, weeps over the loss of a man, who was more than a coach.
But a friend and mentor and to some the only father they knew.
Thanks Debbie, and all the Turner family, for letting us all become a part of your lives, and sharing your husband and father with us.
I hope you all know and realize, what it meant to be a part of what, was Tom saying "some thing special".
This is one old friend and ole Dawg, that sure remembers it. And man was it "some thing special".
Im glad i just got to be a part of some of it.
Thanks to all the Turner Family.
I know only God can comfort your hearts right now. And i pray he is. Knowing that a husband and a father, touched so many peoples lives in a such a positive manner.
Got the news via cell phone on the way home from work. It was really difficult just finishing the drive home. The best [censored] football coach that I have ever known is gone. Yes, I am Indian, but words aren't enough to convey the amount of respect that I had for Tom, as well as his kids. The man did more with less than common sense, as well as logic could ever dictate. The folks from Appalachia aren't the only ones who mourn today. The entire state is saddened by the too soon passing of a legend.
I'm absolutely floored. I'm honestly sitting here with chill bumps after reading this. Appalachia lost a good man. As a matter of fact, the world did. The last time I saw him, he and Coach Colobro received their jackets on the 50 yard line at Riggs Stadium for being inducted into the VHSL Hall of Fame. I guess I never realized how special that moment was. God speed coach. Our hearts are with you folks in Appy.
Things I will forever remember about Tom:
That wiley "fox is sneaking around the chicken coop" grin that he gave you, and made you wonder what the heck he was up to.
That big chaw that he had that stretched his jaw
The fact that EVERY time I saw him, he extended a warm, strong hand out to shake, and a heartfelt "good to see you".
His country way with words-he was mountain-folk and [censored] proud of it.
It will be emotional for us all when we play the Dawgs, and no longer see him there, but I know that his spirit will live on in every kid that puts that blue and gold on, and we'll continue to see a piece of him on Friday nights.
This is a very sad day, for all who knew him and what he meant to Appalachia. God Bless his immediate family, wife, son and daughters, and all of the young men he molded and taught how to be winners.
The last time I got to speak to Tom was about 2 years ago, maybe a bit more. It was at a local pub where I sometimes served as security. I had a blast. We talked about the past (there had been a highly publicized "dispute" between us many years ago) we talked about the present and we spoke of the future (who knew).
I think some were surprised to see us together, especially laughing and having more fun than should be legal :)
Tom was a great guy, a great coach and a great person. I was perhaps in a position to know better than most that he had a great heart. He was a tough guy with a heart of gold.
I guess the best tribute I can give him is to say that he cared, he really cared. Some of this is probably "fuzzy" to anyone else but I know exactly what it means.
Our last conversation started with dual apologies for some past events. I'm so sorry we weren't friends longer, I'm heartbroken.........
Mark
What a blow. We have all lost a truely great man. Although I can't say I knew him well enough to say we were friends, I am glad just for the chance to know him.
No life is any more or less important than another. No death is any more or less tragic than another. But once in a great while we are blessed with someone who just stands out. Someone who has the ability to touch others and have an inpact on their lives. Tom Turner was such a man. His loss will not be felt in his beloved Appalachia.
I'd like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the Turner family. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. God bless all of his family and friends.
As many tragedies come and go in this world, there is nothing that we can do except to accept that death is natural and inevitable, and that life will go on, even when the greatest of great people pass away.
Therefore, I'm not going to try to dig into a groundbreaking post, but I will say what I think needs to be said.
Tom Turner was a great coach.. probably one of the best I've ever known.. not personally, of course, but through football itself. The man excelled at everything that had to do with football. The success of the Appalachia Bulldog football team during his career is bewildering. Many state championships and many unforgotten memories have been forged - all of which have "Tom Turner" written all over them.
I wish everyone dealing with this to make it through without too much pain, although in this case it's almost impossible not to feel that we're missing something. It's only been a day, yet to me it already feels like a century.
At the same time, however, we can't keep ourselves down over this. Extraordinary men and women die every day all over the world, so we must find it within ourselves to move on even with the greatest of losses. I know I sound like a broken record by now, but to move on and keep fighting is probably what Tom would want for us all. I didn't know him personally, but just by observing the amazing football program he had together, you could almost know the man without even meeting him.
Go on with your lives and have no regrets, because Tom Turner will always live in Appalachia Bulldog football.
Dang, I hate to hear that about Coach Turner. His legend will not and has not died in his passing. The memories and stories will live with each person who he had an affect on. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Turner family. Oh yeah I have to say one of my favorite memories about Tom, is how he would pull into a game right at kickoff. Use to bug the [censored] out me when I played but I guess it was that intimidation thing.
From what I've been told, the visitation for Coach Turner will be held at the Appalachia H.S. gym on Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00, with the funeral service at 7:00. Burial will be Saturday at PV Memorial Gardens at 2:00.
Someone sent this to me today:
Death of an Epic
A town grieves, a community shocked, a district stunned
Tom Turner, Appalachia's pride has fallen.
Last look he was struggling from the sidelines
As a host of fans supported like the force of a wave,
Yelling "Bring it home","Bring it back home"
His moto: 3 yards and a cloud of dust
Strict Appy style
In his life he gained more than 3 yards
Definately kicked up some dust
Friday nights won't be the same in the small coal town
The smell will be the same; cut grass mixed with a few leaves
Floating on a cool breeze of on coming fall.
There will still be wins and there will still be loses.
Still be scrapy giants yielding their shields of yellow and blue.
The fans will still fill the stands. Still be proud
Still have that never-ending tradition
But something will be missing on Friday nights
Hate to hear this.... was a great man.. always played my best against his bulldogs...
sad day for us all....
You may have played on a team that was his opposition but This is bad.. not only was he a part of Appalachia football, but he was a symbol for Football in South West Va, and the entire state.. it just won't be the same seeing an Appalachia team without Tom Turner on the side lines..
Was suprised that Newscenter 5 gave the story at the very last part of their sports segment, kind of like "Oh, by the way...." Channel 11 news had it at the top story in their sports segment. At least one channel around here showed some respect.
Coach Turner, may you rest in peace.
Very sad day. Waking up and hearing this news first thing in this morning absolutely shocked me. It actually took about 10 minutes to kick in while I thought about it getting ready for work.
This man was a huge part of my life for 5 years, he was there everyday teaching, motivating. The other day I thought about him not being on the sidelines this coming year, I wondered if he would sit in the stands and watch the games. I thought it would be weird to see that. Though I guess the way it is now seems right. Maybe he was never meant to sit in the stands. I guess you could say he will be watching from the best seat in the house.
I can not begin to express how much that man meant to me....this is by far the hardest loss ive had to face....he took care of all of his players like we were his own children....and i honestly looked up to him as you would a father....and im sure if u asked any other of his former players they would say the same........
Coach Turner will live on in our hearts forever.....
Man....
I was informed of this by my dad after school was over yesterday. Dang. I'm still having a hard time believing. God bless not only the Turner family , Appy football team, Appy community, and AHS. But the whole region of SWVA.
Man...
Tom's passing is being mourned Internationally. I am currently living in Australia but my home is Appalachia.
Debbie, Travis, Amanda, Amber, and all of Tom's family, I pray that God surrounds you all with his loving arms to help you through this difficult time.
Mary
I just wanted to say as a mom of 2 current Appy football players that our lives will forever be changed. Tom meant the world to my sons Sammy and Brandon. They are more determined than ever to carry on the Bulldawg pride in Tom's memory. I agree with many of you here on the board, Tom taught our boys more than just football, the life lessons they will never forget. To the Turners our hearts are with you.
The Jessee Family
Tom Turner, one of the greatest football coaches ever to coach in SWVA. Didn't know him personally, but always had respect for him. The one thing I liked about him was he would always show up right at the last minute with his team when they had a away game.
To the Turner Family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I cant explain how much Coach Turner meant to the town of Appalachia, To the school, and to all the kids he coached.
My g/f was here when I got the news, and said that she thought something had happened to one of my parents, or brothers. What she didnt understand, is that it pretty much did. Anyone who's ever played for coach turner feels that way about him...He was like a 2nd father, or even the only father figure for some. He was tough on us, and pushed us to the limit...But we were always in great shape, always prepared for the upcoming season, upcoming opponent, and prepared for Life after highschool. We all knew that if we worked as hard as we did for him, that there was nothing we couldnt do. We could accomplish anything.
I was once told by 2 former Bulldogs, who joined the navy, and army, that their bootcamps where a walk in the park compared to Coach Turners 2-a-days. He prepared all of us, for whatever we decided to do, after highschool. He installed an unmatched work ethic in us, he made sure we stayed out of trouble, and if we needed something, he'd make sure we had it.
I think I speak for anyone who has ever put the pads on for coach Turner, be it 1 year, or for 4 years.
Coach Turner was our Coach. He was the best of motivators, The best of Coaches, and the best of friends. Though to the majority of us, he wasnt family....We think of him as family. This phrase is perfect for this situation.
"Once a Dawg, A dawg 4 life"
My prayers our with the Turner family.
Tom Turner was a great man and coach. I played against his bulldogs for 4 yrs and coached against him for 3 years. I spoke to him several times while I coached at Pound and he always made a point to give me advice and to tell me how good of a coach he thought I was and was gonna be. Hearing that from a man who is admired by everyone across the state really meant a lot to me. He was, is, and always will be an inspiration to me. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, i am from Pound and i almost cried when i heard the news of his passing.
I will never foreget my senior year, 2000; it was the regular season game at Appy, we beat them in overtime 22-16. He came over to me after the game and shook my hand and told me i played a great game, but just before he walked away he said that was truely the dog and cat fight of the ages. He was an inspiration to anyone that knew him, wether you played against him or played for him, coached with him or coached against him, cheered for him or cheered against him, YOU STILL HAD TO RESPECT HIM!
I didn't get to stay for all the service. But i did what i promised Travis i would.
That is something his father taught us. Keep your word to those who depend on you.
Well i did that.
This evening as i don't know how many come by but many. Probably a couple thousand if not more, i learned what the following meant.
If a person can touch or have an impact on one life they have done something.
Tonight. I seen hundreds if not thousands pay their respect to Tom Turner and his family. I must say i was not amazed. As i knew Tom had always touched many. As a coach, a father figure and just as a friend.
Tonight i watched as his son, Travis took over and took care of the family, something Tom would of known would of happened, but still been extremely proud of.
Not that he needed a reason to wonder.
Travis today your father looks down and see's what he has done. Not only did you learn from him but so did many others.
From a friend to a long time friend and coach.
You will never know the exact impact you had on this area and around VA.
Never will you be forgotten. Tonight only enhanced your true legacy and legendary history. As i watched former coaches, present coaches, former players, and friends and just those who admired you, pay their respect and their gratitude.
As was the saying if i can touch only one life in my life time. I have accomplished much. Well Coach Turner. Tonight showed you accomplished much more than most could hope.
Thanks Coach and my eternal friend. We never ever said the words good bye, it was i will see you or talk to you later.
I will see you or talk to you later, my coach and my life long friend.
Not to sound cold, because thats truthfully not what I want to be
Just hope someone has a bit more detail of the services
I was figuring it would be truthfully amazing to be at.
I mean that in the best of ways as well
It was awesome.
Pictures of Tom's youth to the last few days.
A true memorial to him. You seen pictures of all parts of his life.
From his youth with his family, to his days as a player, to the days he played at Appy and VA Tech. It then continued to his playing days and his coaching days.
Written articles to actual items. The jackets we wore our first year we won the LPD. Coach Turner's first year as head coach.
All the trophies were on display, from the state trophies to the runner up trophies.
All the Region D Pins.
Then there was Tom and the Turner family.
After that was a miraculous amount of former coaches, and presnt coaches, and friends.
Even the legendary Coach Riggs, whom our stadium is named after.
Totally mind blowing. Awesome. And something that was very special.
I must say it was awesome, yet humbling, to know one man impacted so many.
I have had the privledge of being at a few funerals of people who touched a lot of lifes. It is truthfully amazing to see and makes you feel very small, very insignificant. I am proud to know that so many appreciate him and his memory.
I can honestly say that I have never been more proud of the forum either.
I won't be able to make it tomorrow but I hope that each and every person on the forum at least takes pause and appreciates everything they have in their life, and try to make 1/5th the impact that a simple person, a simple coach in a small little town made. If we can all do that, this world would be a much better place.
Even if you aren't a religious person, at least throw up some good thoughts for the family, if you are religious, prayers. I am sure that tomorrow will be tough on them, not just the immediate family but the extended family as well.
I have not posted on this yet because i like most was torn up about this. Tom was one of the greatest person's i ever had the privielge to meet and know. I am not really good at putting what i have to say in persective at times. But i know I have never meet a person whom i greatly admired more. I have many memories of tom thoughout the years. From a past player in the lpd to having the honor of coaching against him. No matter where i seen tom he had that smile on his face and always would look you in the eye and shake your hand. I remember once when i played we had a player on our team take a really hard hit. The trainers on our staff and even the coaches to not really seem to want to go and help the young man. I remember tom being the first person to go and see if the young man was ok. Other memories was even in defeat or with the win tom would always make a point to great each and every player and coaching staff member. I also remember once when i was coaching we could not get film on a team we was going up against. tom made apoint to let us have all the films he had on the team we was going up against. This just showed class and i mean class. Tom will always be in my thoughts and his family and the whole community will be in my prayers. God bless you Tom Turner.
Maybe I can cover it. The pastor said, "Tom Turner coached life," that is a pretty simple statment, but you would be surprised how many didn't really grasp that. I felt honored to have counted him as a friend.
I can only echo what Rocketer said.
Prayers will be much needed today.
Mrs. Turner, Tom's mother, is burying her second son. Terry passed away also in his sleep a few years ago, during his battle with cancer. And she lost her husband several years ago. And now her second son goes home to be with God.
So prayers are much needed for all the Turner family, and as was said Coach Turner's extended family. Today will be a hard day for all.
I want to also extend my thanks and gratitude, to Rocketer and all who are on this forum and who visit it. Or have visited it. And those that continue to visit it.
You have showed a great deal of respect and class. Something that also will not be forgotten.
For that i say thank you and God Bless you all.
I wanted to go and pay my respects as a fellow coach in the LPD but I had a cousin to die that evening the same day and she was out on saturday and I went to hers instead.
Good bye coach R.I.P. my friend.
Some times good friends are hard to make. I mean the type of friends you can disagree with and their still there. Their friends through thick and thin.
As i read what Quincy wrote about Toby. I think it settled in some, what we all lose in a good person and a great friend.
Im not sure how many this has effected. The passing of two good people, who both echoed the same things.
Toby's phrase paralled a lot of what Coach Turner was all about. Take' em one at a time and everything else will take care of it'self.
18-19 years apart in age. But both had the same philosphy. Work hard and be good to folks. Do what you need to do and always take care of family.
I guess in a way i am paying tribute to both.
Today, this evening, as i watched an old tape, of when my own son played for coach Turner. I had to set and reflect on what a friendship we did have.
We didn't always agree. But it never stood in the way of our friendship.
I remember once in 04 as we fell behind to Cloudland in a game, that could of went either way, there was a pass in front of the line of scrimmage that hit the ground.
The kid from Cloudland picks up the ball and takes off. Well i am thinking ok. Incomplete pass.
Where the kid gets tackled is where the ball is marked.
I get totally pissed off and ask the ref. What? completion? What? Are you kidding me.
Tom ask me to step back. I was your gonna let that go? He said step back. I did and walked off. Later at halftime he comes up and says are we ok. I said yeah, were ok thanks, you see, what i didn't think about.
I was pushing so hard wanting a game for a win, to get into the playoffs. We knew going into the year in 04 just getting there was the plan.
I forgot the plan. And a man who didn't care to step on a friends toes reminded him, at a time i could of hurt the team and players even worse.
I know to some that is hard to understand, but some times it takes a real friend to tell you when your messing up. And then care enough to let you know their true reasons, was to see you didn't mess up. But also you didn't let your emotions cause you problems and others problems.
One i knew many years the other. Toby i got to know for seveal years. Both paralled each other in many ways.
To both i say Godspeed. And keep the rest of us ole Dawgs and Devils, and others from the forum and LPD a place. See you guys later.
LPDFTBL