Edward L. "Toby" McLaughlin, 77 years of age, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Erlanger.
Toby was born January 15, 1947, in Orlando, Florida at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) the son of Joseph Eugene McLaughlin and Jean Stratton McLaughlin.
Later he moved to Okeechobee, Florida where he attended Okeechobee Elementary School and was taught by his mother in first grade. His family then moved to Miami, Florida in 1953 where his mother began teaching at the Greater Miami Academy. Based on his academic progress, his mother taught him second grade. He graduated from Greater Miami Academy in 1964.
Post-graduation he joined the Army where he completed boot camp at Ft. Knox Army Base in Kentucky. Upon completion of basic training he was stationed at Ft. Ord, California. He was then sent to Stuttgart, Germany where he remained until May 1970 when he was discharged. After he was discharged from the Army, he returned to Miami for a short time and then attended Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University).
Toby married Cynthia Manick in December 1968; a son named Sean Erik McLaughlin was born from the union. Toby became an iron worker and was focused on bodybuilding and personal health. As years passed, he began working as a pawnbroker and owned a couple of pawn shops, all in the Chattanooga area.
For the past several decades, Toby became evermore involved in the church and participated in bible studies and fellowship. He supported numerous charities and was always ready to help his neighbors and friends.
Toby is predeceased by his parents, his brother Joe McLaughlin.
He is survived by his sister, Sharon Carroll; son, Sean Erik McLaughlin (Nora); beloved grandchildren, Aiden McLaughlin and by marriage, Michelle and Michael Perez and a host of wonderful friends that he made over the years.
A graveside service with military honors and white dove release will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the beautiful Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Ed's name to the Samaritan Center https://thesamaritancenter.net/give-back/financial/ .
Arrangements and care entrusted the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
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