Clifton L. Toler Jr.

Published 7:02 pm Monday, June 17, 2019

Mr. Clifton Leo Toler Jr., age 82, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019, at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at First Christian Church, conducted by Dr. Robert Cayton. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. Neil Cutler, Ryan Hill, Daren Hill, Brett Andrews, Doug Jolley, Randy Walker and John Edwards, nephews, will serve as pallbearers.

On Clifton’s parents fifth wedding anniversary, he was born to Clifton L. Toler and Flora Elks Toler. He always respected and loved his parents. He was the middle child, having an older and younger sister.

Clifton is survived by his wife, Betsy Carney Toler; daughter, Elizabeth Toler Turnage and husband Lee; a grandson, Aubrey Hampton Turnage. He had a deep love for all of his family, his wife of nearly 60 years, his son-in-law, and the apple of his eye, his grandson, Aubrey.

He is survived by a sister, Monna Toler Cutler and husband Clifton; and lost his younger sister, Brenda Toler Hill, a few years ago. He is also survived by four sisters-in-law, Yvonne Edwards and husband J.D., of Chocowinity, Jessie Brooks, of Bath, Audrey Walker, of Washington, and Vera Jones, of Florida; 12 nieces and nephews, 17 great-nieces and -nephews and nine great-great-nieces and -nephews.

A graduate of Washington High School and East Carolina University, B.S., M.S. and an advanced degree in Education, he also attended the United States Military Academy, along with doing graduate work at UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State and Appalachian State University. Mr. Toler spent more than 30 years in public education. To him, every child he taught, or was in contact with, had a greater purpose in life. He enjoyed working with all of them.

Mr. Toler taught at Bath High and Washington High, served as Media Supervisor, Director of Federal Programs, assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Beaufort County. Upon his retirement from the school system, he worked with the Southeastern Educational Center in the Research Triangle in Raleigh. The group helped school systems from Florida to Virginia with grant writing and other educational improvements.

Mr. Toler served on a number of state committees, one to help evaluate media equipment, another to develop a state evaluation instrument to grade school administrators, and a few others while working with the school system. During the period of desegregation of the school systems, Mr. Toler helped the Beaufort County School System have a smooth change. He was past member of the Association of Educators, the N.C. Association of School Administrators and a life member of the School Superintendent Association. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, a professional organization for educators, for over 50 years.

Mr. Toler was a veteran in the United States Army and served in the U.S. Army Finance Center. He later completed eight years in a Reserve Replacement Company.

Mr. Toler was a member of the Kiwanis Club for over 30 years. He served as president of the Club and the treasurer for over 25 years. He was selected the Kiwanian of the Year three times and was selected as a Hinson Fellow. Mr. Toler was also a volunteer member of the Washington Fire Department for about 20 years and served as president of the Washington Firemen’s Association and as treasurer for about 15 years. Mr. Toler loved to play golf and tennis. He was an active member of the Washington Yacht & Country Club for over 30 years until he had to give up these sports because of health.

Mr. Toler was born upstairs in a house on Academy Street, across from the First Christian Church. From that day, with his mother’s help, he attended that church his whole life. He loved the church and was deeply hurt when the building burned, but continued and felt blessed when he attended the new church building. During his years with the church, he taught junior high Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, Elder, Trustee and Chairman of the Board. He, at some point in time, served on most committees of the Board.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2019, at the First Christian Church and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas 5970 Fairview Road, Suite 217, Charlotte, NC 28210, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern NC Chapter, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27612 or the First Christian Church, 307 E. Third St., Washington, NC 27889.

You may address condolences to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Toler family.