Faculty Friday: Meet Larry Turnage – A Life of Purpose, Passion, and Paying It Forward
Born and raised in central North Carolina, Larry Turnage has called Ocean Isle Beach home for over 40 years. He first arrived in 1983 to partner with his father in launching a local HVAC business. Just three years later, Larry became a licensed contractor, building a reputation for expertise, integrity, and hard work—qualities that have guided him through every chapter of his remarkable journey.
In 1996, Larry felt called to serve in a new way. He entered Southeastern Baptist Seminary, began pastoral ministry locally, and found himself leading mission teams across the globe while continuing to support the HVAC business he helped build at home. In 2004, his wife Phyllis launched a management services company, and in 2009, Larry joined her full-time, offering various services for beach rental homes.
A few years ago, the Turnages decided to scale back, ease into retirement, and chase a long-time dream of visiting all 50 states. They made it to state number 38 when Brunswick Community College came calling with a new kind of opportunity—helping build an HVAC program from the ground up on the main campus in Bolivia. At first, Larry was hesitant. The lab wasn’t ready. The program needed everything. But something in him stirred. “I wasn’t looking for full-time work again,” he recalls. “But I’ve never walked away from a challenge, especially one that could make a difference.”
He interviewed, was offered the job, and accepted — a decision that changed everything. What started with 10 students, and a shared vision has grown into a thriving program—and a fully equipped teaching lab—thanks to Larry’s hands-on approach and unwavering belief in the potential of others. “We dug in and turned it around in no time flat,” Larry says. “Students started earning their certifications and finding work even before graduation. We’ve grown the program by 600%, and our students range in age from 17 to 71.” One student told him, “This school and the HVAC program have changed my family’s life.” Larry says it’s changed his too. “What wasn’t even on my radar 18 months ago is now a heartfelt passion. Thanks to BCC’s leadership and an incredible team of coworkers, I’ve found a deeper purpose.”
Though he once planned to stay just long enough to get things started, Larry now sees retirement as a distant idea. When he’s not teaching, he’s traveling or cheering on his grandson, an up-and-coming athlete. And in the quiet moments, he’s working on a book—Love, Life, Loss & the Lord—a personal story of resilience, faith, and service. It’s sure to be a best seller. Larry Turnage is a mentor, a builder, and a beacon of hope. And at BCC, we’re proud to call him one of our own.
April 2025
