Toy B. Dooley

Toy Dooley, 92, of Ridgely, died Monday, August 1, 2016 at his residence. 

He was born March 16, 1924, the only child of Virgil Lavelle (Jack) and Cecil Blanche Gardner Dooley.  His birthplace was in Lake County, Hathaway community.  His early childhood years were spent in the area called Peck’s Mill where he attended Peck’s Mill School through the seventh grade. After graduating from high school in 1941, he attended David Lipscomb College and volunteered and enlisted in the Army Artillery December 8, 1942.  On his 21st birthday, March 16, 1945, was spent in the heat of battle at the Remagen Bridgehead.  He graduated from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University with a B.S. Degree in history and economics June, 1948.  On December 23, 1948, he married June McMurry Brown, a native Nashvillian.  They moved to Lake County, built a home, and began farming with his parents.  In November, 1949, they had a daughter, Katherine Dooley.  He served as deacon and elder of the Tiptonville Church of Christ.  Toy taught Bible classes weekly beginning 1949.  His command of the English language, his resonant voice and knowledge of the Bible, especially Old Testament history, was admired by many.  His grandson, Jon, took over his farming interest beginning the fourth generation of farmers. 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2016 in the Ridgely Chapel of Curry Funeral Home conducted by Brother Wilford Mobley and Brother Brent Pearce with interment to follow in New Haven Cemetery.   

Pallbearers will be Ed Sumara, Marcus Berry, Skipper Homra, Franklin Buroughs, Bill Denman, and Greg Allen.  Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Johnson, Wendol Thorpe, Douglas Haynes, Jr., Brad Keiser, Richard Runions, J. C. Williams and Louis West.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m.  Thursday, August 4th at the funeral home.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, June McMurry Brown Dooley; his daughter Katherine McMurry Dooley of Starkville, MS; one grandson, Jon Keith Dickey (Lisa) of Ridgely; and two great-grandchildren, Christina Freeman of Dyersburg and Anna Davin of Fort Smith, AR.

The family requests memorials be directed to Vanderbilt University, Office of Annual Giving, PMB 407727, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN  37240-7727.

Arrangements entrusted to Curry Funeral Home, 1984 St. John Avenue, Dyersburg, TN  38024.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.curryfuneral.com.