Michael William Toler

Michael William Toler, age 62, of Beckley, WV was welcomed home to Heaven on Friday, September 15, 2017 following a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born January 22, 1955 at Oceana, WV, he was the son of the late James D. (Jack) Toler and Maxine Cook Toler. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother, Jim Toler, and his close friend, Dan Lester. As a member of Calloway Heights Baptist Church, he served as an Usher and member of the Trustees and Finance Committees. Michael was a long-time blood donor and an organ donor upon his demise, having been the recipient of a double lung transplant in 2013. A graduate of Oceana High School and Concord University, Michael was employed by Westmoreland Coal Company and held an officer’s position at Maben Energy. Later employed by the U. S. Treasury Department, Michael worked there until his retirement in 2015. Mike enjoyed life and loved spending time at home with his wife and devoted cats Harley and Gibbs. After their rescue, they became his ever-present, faithful companions. Mike enjoyed working in his yard while he kept a watchful eye on “his boys” as they played alongside him. An avid sports and NASCAR fan, he shared that enthusiasm with his closest friends. Michael also spent years restoring his 1969 Mustang. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 38 years, Vicie; brother Ronald Toler (Rebecca); sister JoAnn Scott (Gerald); three nieces, two nephews, and seven great nieces and nephews. He will also be sorely missed by Harley and Gibbs. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 23, 2017, from 12 – 2 pm at Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley. The service celebrating his life will begin at 2 pm with Pastors William Parker and Bill Horton officiating. Entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Honorary pallbearers: Bob Crews, Ron Lombardo, Sam Philpott, Don Riffe, Dale Walker, and Lindsey Whitten. Active pallbearers: Brian Clay, Donnie Gunter, Eddie Marshall, J. E. Meadows, Jerry Shaffer, and Randy Short. Our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Max Weder, the transplant team and entire staff at the University of Virginia Cardiopulmonary Transplant Center, as well as the caring staff of the UVA specialty pharmacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Gideons International. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801.