Emory Turner

Emory was affectionately known as Shug. He had a charismatic character and always had a smile on his face. Shug graduated with honors from Phenix High School in 1956 and was voted the most outstanding student by his peers.

Shug, along with a handful of students, set a historical precedence as the first “Negro” students to take the National College Entrance Examination. He was the first recipient of the J. Dett Marshburn Scholarship. He was awarded a full academic scholarship to Purdue University but he elected instead to accept a full athletic scholarship to play football.

Shug taught Biology and Physical Education as well as coached football and track Phenix. In 1968 his football team won the V. I. A. Eastern District Football Championship and he was named the V. I. A. Coach of the Year. 

He served as Assistant Principal at Caroline High School; principal at King George Middle School; Vice Chairman of Spotsylvania County School Board, Assessor for George Mason University; and the State Local Health benefits Advisory Board (appointed by Virginia Governors Wilder and Baliles).