Walter Ray Turpening

Walter Ray Turpening, 79, of Kingsport, TN, passed away on April 20, 2026. Walt was born on Jan. 4, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to Freone and Roger Turpening. At an early date the family moved to nearby Inkster, MI. He went to Hicks Elementary School and Cherry Hill High School. He earned a Bachelor Degree in Physics at Oakland University and a Master's Degree in Geophysics at Michigan State University.

After graduation he joined Gulf Oil Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Walter met and married the love of his life, Ellen Furman, and they moved down to Houston, Texas.

In the early 1990s Walter and two friends formed a company (1992) calling it Reservoir Imaging Inc. After a few years a major contractor in the industry (Western Geophysical) bought Reservoir Imaging Inc. with the provision that Walter stay with Western Geophysical for two years. When that time period was up, he and Ellen left Houston (1997) for Kingsport, TN, where he molded his woodworking hobby into 25 years of success entitled Benches, Stools, and Chairs LLC.

Walt was often found in his workshop where he made beautiful stools, chairs, and rockers. He was a member of the Weaving Guild in Texas, Tennessee, & North Carolina. As a master woodworker, he believed that anything worth doing was worth doing with precision and care. His hands were rarely still. The furniture and keepsakes he created for family, friends, and clients remain beautiful testaments of his patience and skill. But his greatest legacy wasn't carved in wood; it was built into the lives of the people he loved. A man of deep faith, Walter was a pillar of the Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. He didn't just speak his values- he lived them through his immense passion for people. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen and valued, offering a steady hand and a warm smile to anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Ellen. He is survived by his brother, Roger (Janet) Turpening; his dog, Lee, who he loved very much; several cousins; special friends Justin and Lisa Castle, David Guy, and Frank Purner; and many more.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, 631 Lebanon Rd., Kingsport, TN 37663, on May 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shades of Grace, 313 E. Sullivan St., Kingsport, TN 37660, or donate blood with Marsh Mobile, who will be at the church before and after services, per Walt's request.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.