Fred Turnage is seen as a leader, a kind soul and a voice for many.

To his family, he's the brother who could talk you into doing his chores. He was a high school love to his wife. He coached sports and was the household mathematician. More recently, he's a ride home after school.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

Mayor Fred Turnage shares his love of Wake Forest University and basketball with his grandson Rob Turnage.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

Norma and Fred Turnage sit with their grandchildren, from left, Elizabeth, Charlie, Olivia and Rob.

Behind the leader of the city – and his 34 years of service – is a family who is proud to call him its own.

Fred Turnage's leadership and compassion were vivid at an early age, as organizer of the neighborhood basketball games in the Turnages' back yard, said his sister, Kay McGregor.

As a child, McGregor never thought of her older brother becoming mayor. But looking back, she said, he always has been dependable – a person you could count on.

"Fred's always had a political nature. He was a leader when he was in high school and a leader in college," his wife of 48 years, Norma Turnage said. It was no surprise to her when he ran for Rocky Mount City Council and, later, mayor.

"I guess it was just a carryover of an old interest," she said.

Fred Turnage was sworn in as mayor when his oldest child, John Turnage, was 12 – the same age as his oldest grandchild today as he readies to retire from the post.

In the early years, Fred and Norma Turnage juggled careers, a marriage and raising children, which at times was daunting to balance.

Although public figures, they've been fortunate to maintain a private marriage and life, Norma Turnage said.

"Both of us have a keen interest in politics and public service," she said.

Those interests have steered their professional careers: He as a lawyer and Rocky Mount's mayor; she an employee of the city schools and, now, N.C. State Board of Community Colleges member.

"It gives a very interesting dynamic to dinner table discussions, and they have complemented themselves quite well," Norma Turnage said.

The continuous social schedule of the mayor tested their marriage at times, Fred Turnage said. But, he said, Norma Turnage never allowed his job to dictate her life.

In the past 10 years, the spouse's social obligation has been less demanding, she said.

However, there was a time when the Turnages questioned the amount of time they spent being parents.

When their two children were young, there were feelings of guilt for leaving them home with a baby sitter to help finish homework; trying to make it to every sporting and school event, but missing a few.

"I look back, and think I might have spent more time at being mayor than I did at being a good father," Fred Turnage said.

But his children's views are in stark contrast to that sentiment.

Son John Turnage and daughter Trevor Lane remember him as being very involved, even during their years in college at Wake Forest University.

He was their tennis partner, played basketball with the neighborhood youth and corrected homework.

"I don't remember him missing things; I don't remember him not being there," Trevor Lane said. "I remember him helping with math homework a lot. ... I remember him proofreading papers. That used to always make me mad because I'd always have things to go back and correct."

The Turnages said – through three decades as the mayor's family – they have maintained the typical family life.

For his children and his grandchildren, it's all they have ever known.

As Trevor Lane put it: "We're as crazy as everyone else."

"I wouldn't say it's been any kind of honor or privilege (being a child of the mayor) because he's always done a good job of keeping my sister and myself separated from his activities but encouraged us to be involved in our own ways," John Turnage said.

Growing up, it was no different than being the child of a police officer that classmates knew, Trevor Lane said.

She described her father as sweet, funny, a great listener and one who never passes judgment.

Fred Turnage's love for Wake Forest sports is the only thing that can trigger his temper, John Turnage said. And he's the first call for a baby sitter.

With five grandchildren added to the brood, Fred Turnage has a handful of new admirers.

John Turnage's three children – Olivia, 10; Rob, 8; and John Graham, 5 – get excited when they see their grandfather on TV or in the paper, even if they don't truly understand what being mayor means.

"I think they take a great deal of pride in the fact that he is the mayor and the leader of the city," John Turnage said.

When Norma's busy or out of town, Fred Turnage takes over her carpool duties, picking up Trevor Lane's children, Elizabeth, 12, and Charlie, 8, from school.

On his to-do list during retirement is "more time to fool around with the grandkids."

Even with retirement just weeks away, the Turnage family doesn't see Fred Turnage slowing down anytime soon.

His involvements might change, but he'll continue to practice law.

There will be new careers and adventures that don't involve politics or practicing law, John Turnage said. But his father will continue to serve the community.

"He will only get enjoyment if he's doing something that he sees benefits somebody else," John Turnage said. "He's not a golfer. He's not a fisherman. He doesn't have a boat. He doesn't really have any other hobbies other than being around people and being involved, and this is just going to give him a different arena to be involved in."