Charles Turnage passed away on September 13th, 2024 in Camarillo, CA at the age of 88.
Charles was born in the very small town of De Queen, AR in 1936, but raised in Houston, TX. Upon high school graduation, Charles moved to Southern California. Seeking work, he first applied for an entry-level job at Rocketdyne, an aerospace company whose huge complex was in Canoga Park. Office personnel told Charles that there were no positions of any kind open, but he could apply anyway to keep his information on file. After taking an aptitude test, part of the standard process, he was told to wait in the office. A man eventually approached and told him that because he scored so high on the exam, they were hiring him that day -- they would find something just to get him on the payroll. His first job was essentially sweeping up metal shavings from the machine shop floor, but taking every company-paid training class he possibly could, Charles quickly rose through the ranks. Nearly 40 years later he retired with the title of Director, a high-level executive position.
Charles and his wife, Nancy, lived for many years in Simi Valley, CA. Upon retirement, they moved to Big Bear City before eventually settling in Camarillo.
Charles was a man highly regarded and respected by the people he worked with and much-loved by his family.
Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters Carolyn and Sharon, sons Bruce and Richard, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.