Albert E Tolar

Buddy, as most people knew him, was born Jan. 21, 1925, to Albert Ernest Tolar Sr. and Annie Catherine Johnson Tolar. As a boy growing up in the depression, farming was a way to make a living, so he farmed his entire life.

He attended Gray’s Creek School and graduated in 1942. He then enlisted in the Navy and served his country in the Philippines. After the war, he came back to Gray’s Creek to start and finish his education at N.C. State with a degree in agriculture. During this time he also met and married his love, Mary Lou Dawson in 1948. From there he set out in a career of teaching agriculture in Jones County.

After several years there, he moved back to Cumberland County and started the agriculture programs at Gray’s Creek and Hope Mills High Schools. His time was divided between the two schools for a couple of years. He then decided to continue the program at Hope Mills High School. Through his eyes, everyone had potential to achieve. He spent countless hours helping young men mature and letting them know that someone did care. He always said, “If the student has not learned, the teacher has not taught.” He ended his teaching career at Southview High School in 1976, after which he stayed home and farmed full time, to again come home and take up farming full time.

Buddy became interested in providing adequate fire protection for the Gray’s Creek community. He served as a board member for Station 18 for several years. Then he, along with Paul Davis, set out to establish a fire station closer to home. Land was donated and in 1979 Station 24 was founded. Eventually “Mr. Buddy” (as he was known at Stations 18 and 24) became president of the board. He retired after 20 years of service to Station 24. Joe Marsh, Chief of Station 24, quoted Mr. Buddy as telling him numerous times, “Let your own intuition be your tutor.” “Mr. Buddy” was an invaluable mentor for both fire stations.

He was a member of American Legion Hair-Matthews Post 32. In 2007 he was awarded a plaque for 60 years of service.

He was a lifelong member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church where he served as deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and Sunday school teacher. He also directed the building of the educational wing of the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Katie Tolar; a brother and wife Mary Lou Tolar.

Left to cherish his memories are his four children, Janice Simpson (Jim) of Hope Mills, Glyndetta Hubbard (Sam) of Fayetteville, Samuel (Terri) of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Annette (Ben) of Boone; grandchildren, Samantha Armentrout (Dane) of Florida, Joshua Simpson of Pilot Mountain, Kameron Tolar of Florida, Katelin Fox of Boone, Nicole Fox of Boone; stepgranddaughters, Leigh Beaucamp (Larry) of Raleigh, Amanda Yencsko (Mark) of Charlotte; great-grandchildren, Ryland Armentrout, Kason Lopez of Florida, and Camden Armentrout.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, in Mount Pisgah Baptist Church at 2 p.m.

The family will receive friends tonight, Jan. 9, 2015, from 6 to 8p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home of Hope Mills.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Pisgah Baptist Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home, Hope Mills, NC.