JOSEPH CLAYTON TURNAGE (1945–2024)
Joseph Clayton Turnage (Beta Tau, Mississippi State ’64) passed away in San Juan Capistrano, California, on August 8, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on November 19, 1945, Joe grew up in Mississippi and graduated from Provine High School in Jackson. He attended Mississippi State University where he achieved an outstanding scholarship record, being inducted as a member of several national leadership and honor societies, including Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi. Joe starred on MSU’s debate team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering.
Brother Turnage was a devoted and popular member of the Beta Tau Chapter having served in several positions, including No. VIII in 1965-1966 and No. VII in 1966-1967; he also represented KA in several organizations on campus from 1963-1967. In 1966, Turnage was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, a national honor and award program that recognizes academic excellence and exceptional ability in students.
After graduating from State, Joe earned a doctorate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1972, also in nuclear engineering, after which he compiled a stellar career. Following research work at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Turnage became Director of Nuclear Engineering at Yankee Atomic Electric Company then was named President of TENERA Energy, LLC, finally moving to Constellation Energy as Senior Vice President. In recognition of his outstanding technical and professional leadership, he received the high honor of Fellow of the American Nuclear Society and was named a Distinguished Engineering Fellow at Mississippi State University.
Joe is survived by his wife Angela and son Clayton. He is predeceased by his parents, Clayton Franklin Turnage and Ollion Lenore Sutton Turnage and son Jason. A celebration of life gathering is tentatively planned for this November. Brothers who wish to make a tribute may do so by a donation in Joe’s memory to the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation at KAOEF.org/donate.
