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Charles Wesley Turnbull

Charles Wesley Turnbull (February 5, 1935 – July 3, 2022) was an American politician, educator and historian who served as the sixth elected Governor of the United States Virgin Islands from 1999 to 2007.[1]

Biography

Charles Wesley Turnbull was born on February 6, 1935, in the island of St. Thomas to John Wesley Turnbull and Ruth Ann Eliza Skelton of Tortola.[2][3] Prior to being elected governor in 1998, he was a professor at the University of the Virgin Islands, Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of the territorial Department of Education, principal and assistant principal of Charlotte Amalie High School, and a teacher in elementary and secondary schools.[2][3] He was a graduate of Hampton University, earning bachelor's and master's degrees. He earned a doctoral degree in Educational Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1976.[3][4]

During his tenure as governor, Turnbull served as a member of the National Governors Association, the Southern Governors' Association, and the Democratic Governors Association.[5]

Turnbull was prohibited from seeking re-election in 2006 due to term limits. His term of office expired on January 1, 2007, and he was succeeded by John de Jongh. Turnbull served as a member of the Virgin Islands Fifth Constitutional Convention.

Post-gubernatorial career

In 2011, the 29th Legislature passed a resolution naming the Estate Tutu Regional Library after him. Turnbull was awarded with the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor.[6]

From 2015 to 2017, Turnbull served as a member of the Centennial Commission.[7]

Personal life

Turnbull died from a brief illness in Washington, D.C., on July 3, 2022, at the age of 87.[8]

References

  1. ^ Wright, John (2001). The New York Times Almanac 2002. Psychology Press. p. 210. ISBN 978-1-57958-348-4.
  2. ^ a b The International Who's Who 2004. Europa Publications. 2003. pp. 1888. ISBN 1-85743-217-7. 1935 Charles Wesley Turnbull
  3. ^ a b c "Turnbull, Charles Wesley". Encyclopedia.com. Cengage. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  4. ^ "AS GOVERNORS GO, VENTURA OUT FRONT IN FIRST IMPRESSIONS". Duluth News. November 13, 1998. p. 1B.
  5. ^ "Gov. Charles W. Turnbull". National Governors Association.
  6. ^ "New Library to Honor Former Gov. Turnbull". St. John Source.
  7. ^ "Mapp Appoints Turnbull To Centennial Commission". The Virgin Islands Consortium.
  8. ^ Ananta Pancham July, Judi Shimel (July 4, 2022). "Territory Mourns the Loss of Former Gov. Charles W. Turnbull". St. Thomas Source. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of the United States Virgin Islands
1998, 2002 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Governor of the United States Virgin Islands
1999–2007 		Succeeded by