S. Gunter Toney

S. Gunter Toney, 94, joined his wife in heaven on June 26, 2018. Gunter was born on April 17, 1924 in Beckley, West Virginia. He joined the Navy in 1941 and served as a Chief Petty Officer in World War II in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. Gunter became a devoted husband to his sweetheart, Evelyn Bailey Toney, on June 22, 1944 and spent his years in the military writing hundreds of love letters to his wife back home. After an honorable discharge in 1947, the Toneys moved to Florida where Gunter earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. The couple moved to Tallahassee, Florida where they ran a successful law practice and raised two children. Members at East Hill Baptist Church since 1955, the Toneys loved their church family. In 2004, the Toneys moved to be closer to family in Jacksonville, Florida. Gunter loved jokes, politics, Gator sports, playing golf, and spending time with family.

Gunter was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Toney, and his son David Toney. He is survived by his daughter Susan Toney Highsmith (Bob), and five grandchildren: Kirk Toney, Lisa Toney Bedrosian (Danny), Gunter Toney, Jennifer Highsmith, and Robert Highsmith. He also is survived by three great-grandchildren, Damien Toney, Ani Bedrosian, and Elijah Toney.

The family will be holding a visitation at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home- Riggins Road Chapel in Tallahassee, Florida on Friday, June 29 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A celebration of Gunter’s life will take place at East Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, June 30 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a brief graveside service at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations to East Hill Baptist Church or Heartland Hospice (Jacksonville, Florida) in Gunter’s memory are encouraged.