Bobby Gene Toms



Mr. Bobby Gene Toms, Sr. 61, of Shelby departed this life on Saturday, July 27, 2013 in Bostic, NC.  He was born on June 21, 1952 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Ulyssess Toms, Sr. and the late Hattie Toms Johnson. 

 

Bobby was a 1970 graduate of Shelby High School and also earned an Associate’s degree in Heating and Air Conditioning from Cleveland Community College formerly Cleveland Tech.  He was self-employed with his own handyman service at one time as well as being employed with several local companies throughout the years.  He was currently employed with Cleveland Vocational Industries. 

 

Bobby was a former member of Hopewell Baptist Church where he was a member for15 years serving on the Laymen League, The Men’s Choir and the Trustee Board.  He was currently a member at Shoal Creek Baptist Church where he served on the usher board and attended of the Men’s Sunday school class.  In addition to his church activities, Bobby worked with the North Carolina Foster and Adoptive Parent Association for a number of years and was a state board member for region 1.  He was also a board member of the local Cleveland County Foster Parent Association and was a founding member.

 

Bobby loved being with his family especially his grandchildren.  An outgoing person, he loved talking to people, loved to bowl and fish.  He also loved making homemade ice cream.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Toms Banks and a brother, Ulysses Toms, Jr.

 

Left to cherish fond memories of him are his children, Olan Toms (Anita), Fachon Toms, Bobby Toms, Jr., Aaliyah Toms, Titus Toms and Tirus Toms all of Shelby; a sister, Helen Toms Flack (James) of Kingstown, NC; a brother, Dwight Toms of Shelby; five grandchildren, Sanni Toms, Akyra Toms, Asiya Toms, Rakel Scott and Bryce Toms; two half brothers, Kenny Stafford and John Stafford both of Shelby; his step-father, John Johnson of Kingstown; step-brothers and sisters, Diane Weaver (Bernard) of Kingstown, Sarah Johnson and Shirley Cherry both of Charlotte, NC, Patricia Surratt (Ivan) of Kingstown, Johnny Johnson (Sally) of Waco, NC and Dennis Johnson of Kingstown; a sister-in-law, Wylie Toms of Phoenix City, Alabama; special friend, Dorothy Lockhart of Shelby; his best friend, Samuel Eskridge, Jr. of Shelby; five aunts, four uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Shoal Creek Baptist Church with Pastor Michael Isaac officiating.  Burial will take place at the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:00 PM at the church on Wednesday and at other times at the home of his son, Olan Toms 3033 Charles Rd., Shelby.  Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloes.net.  Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.