BELMONT, N.C. — Belmont Mayor Richard Turner died this week after suffering a massive stroke related to surgery complications, his wife announced.
Marie Turner announced her husband's death on his public Facebook page, saying he'd recently had surgery for gallstones and chronic pancreatitis. Her post says those surgeries resulted in complications that led to the stroke. Turner was hospitalized multiple times in recent months, including having his gallbladder removed in May, according to social media posts.
"Our family's hearts are completely broken," the post reads. "Richard and I met in college and have been married 33 years and have 3 children he adored. He will forever be in our hearts and minds and is also my best friend in the entire world."
Turner served the town of Belmont for 12 years in various roles, including council and mayor pro tem. He was first elected as Belmont's mayor last fall. He also served terms on Belmont's planning and zoning board, as well as the park and recreation advisory board.
"He absolutely loved Belmont with all his heart with the strongest passion to help and serve this city," Marie Turner wrote. "Even as he was in the hospital he was still answering citizens' tests, emails, voicemails and watched the online council meetings even though he was in tremendous pain."
Family and friends will gather for a funeral service at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, with a burial at the church the next day. Instead of flowers, the family is asking any memorials for Turner be made to SECU Family House. Condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home's website.
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