Mr. June Toms, 90, 412 Carolina Ave. Shelby, NC departed this life on  Monday, April 29, 2013 at Carolinas Medical Center, in Charlotte, NC.  He was born on December 25, 1922 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Hays and Ophelia Pompey Toms.

June served in the United States Army from 1942-45 in World War II, and was honorably discharged as a Corporal.  June enjoyed worshipping at Mount Calvary Baptist Church for most of his adult life.  He was a faithful employee of Esther Mill for 42 years before retiring in 1987.  After retirement, June continued to be very active in his community by volunteering his time and expertise in lawn care to Mount Calvary, and all the elderly neighbors, keeping the lawns flawless.  He often chauffeured his neighbors to their appointments, picked up meds and groceries, prepared their meals, and fed every stray cat, dog and bird that was lucky enough to find his yard.  June could be spotted most any morning before dawn walking his three mile route around Shelby.

As we reminisce of June as a father, he set the standard through his deeds and actions, for all others to follow.  He lived his life as a true example of a real man of God, and a father figure to many neighborhood children.  With his quiet nature, he often unknowingly counseled and mentored dozens of children, and inspired them to be their very best.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, wife Earnestine J. Toms, whom he married on September 10, 1955.  From this everlasting union, five children were born.  Dr. Forrest D. Toms (Phyllis) of Hickory; NC; Mr. Chuck Toms (Helena) of Lexington, NC, Mrs. Janice Toms Joye (LTC  Boyd - ret. US Army) of Charlotte, NC, Mr. Dennis Toms (Sharon), and Mr. John Toms (Deborah) of Shelby, NC.  June is also survived by his grandchildren; Julius (Tiesha) Camp, Aurora, CO, Nicole Ingram of Columbia SC, Forrest “T” Toms II, Greensboro, NC, Alex Petty (wife) Greensboro, NC, Noelle Hill, Charlotte NC, Joshua Toms, Greensboro, NC, Dennis “Chip” Toms Jr., Lumberton, NC, Zakiya Toms, Washington DC and Trey Toms, Lumberton NC.  Mr. Toms also has six beloved great-grandchildren.

“June Bug”, as he was so affectionately known to all, leaves to cherish his fond memories, a host of his wonderful and loving nieces and nephews. Willis Toms (Carol), Charlotte, NC, Ervin Toms (Ellen), Calabash, NC, LaMarthine Toms Gibson, Kings Mountain, NC, Leon Toms of Shelby, NC, Gary Toms, Hagerstown, MD,  Patricia Maddox Willis, and Bill Maddox of Shelby, NC.  He is also survived by sister-in-law, Mary Ponder of Philadelphia, PA.  June’s special friends for life are Andrew Smith, George Thompson, and Tyrone Davis.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Mount Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor M. Lamont Littlejohn officiating.  Burial will take place at Webb Memorial Lawns.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM on Monday.  Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloes.net.  Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.