Native to the beautiful islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Leroy Toppin - 88 years old, born in Roxborough, Tobago to the late Henry and Letitia Toppin on January 30, 1933, fell asleep in Christ on Saturday, June 5, 2021.
Recently taking residence in Ooltewah, TN with his wife Eutil Toppin, their path to the Chattanooga area nearly four years ago follows a winding road from sunny Tobago, West Indies, to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, then Queens, New York, and Ellicott City, Maryland before settling in his final resting place of Ooltewah, Tennessee.
What Leroy lacked in formal education, God generously compensated with incredible optimism, social insights, biblical wisdom, and a keen business sense. His favorite text being Proverbs 3:5-6, there were countless couples, family members, friends, co-workers, and even strangers, who eagerly sought out his shrewd counsel. Leroy was a natural encourager, and had “a way” of making others feel valued while creating a "safe" space to talk. He had a genuine love for people, especially the littlest ones – black, white, old, young, cat or dog; you would not remain a stranger for long. His generous heart and personal testimonies of faith fueled a life of service and philanthropy, always bearing a strong witness to anyone he encountered of how God has led in his life, and of his soon return. As a tradesman, with an undying affinity for construction and real estate, Leroy purchased several homes and rental properties, led a number of construction and renovation projects, and retired as a Facilities Supervisor for New York State over the course of his life.
Leroy enjoyed healthy discussion in Sabbath School, serving on various committees and as a deacon at church - Roxborough SDA Church, Bethel SDA Church, and Carnbee SDA Church, Tobago WI, Corona SDA Church, Queens NY, Lebanon SDA Church, Queens NY and others; but his real passion was singing! He loved to sing in the choir and sang first tenor in many groups and church choirs over the years. His favorite genres were hymns, traditional gospel, and spirituals. He need only hear a voice singing, and he would quickly join them with a sweet tenor harmony. Nothing buoyed his soul like family and worship. His favorite hymn was Under His Wings, which he heard family members sing, even as he drew his final breath. Leroy also held a strong value for education, and encouraged every young (and even not-so-young) person to pursue his or her degree or learn a trade. As he shared his personal challenges with school, his words were often, “study your books”, “stick-to-it”, and “you can do it!”
Married June 24, 1965, he is survived by Eutil Toppin, his wife of nearly 56 years, three sons: Dilano Toppin, Hovis Thomas, Andy Toppin with spouse, Jean Toppin, and daughter, Teshia Price with spouse, James Price. Eight grandchildren survive Leroy: Anna Toppin, Alexandria Schultz, Sabrina, Lauren, and Sean Toppin, Iamme, Isaiah, and Gaielle Price. Leroy comes from a large family of eleven siblings: Ursula Caruth, Ursilla Delancy (Deceased), Carol John, Darolyn Davidson (Deceased), Grenice Gay, Pearl Blackman (Deceased), Franky Toppin (Deceased), Joe Toppin (Deceased), Hendrickson Toppin(Deceased), Eudanie Allen (Deceased), Hamilton James, Nehemiah Toppin (Deceased), and a mighty host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Precious husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and confident, you will be dearly missed, so we eagerly await our reunion at Christ’s second coming – what a glorious day of rejoicing that will be!
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021 in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4829 College Drive E, Collegedale, Tennessee 37315.
Join us live for visitation at: https://www.facebook.com/ChattanoogaValleyView/
Join us live for the memorial service at: https://livestream.com/collegedalesdachurch/churchprograms
Please share your thoughts and memories online at: www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com
Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
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