Jiles Loyd Tolbert

He was born March 5, 1931 in Caldwell County, NC to the late Dow and Bernice Hartley Tolbert. A strong man of faith, Loyd was a member and musician at Cajahs Mtn. Baptist Church. His smile lit up a room and his musical talent warmed any heart. He retired from the United States Army after serving 22 years.

During his time of service he was awarded one Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars for service against armed enemy, five good conduct medals, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He also served in Europe and received a European Service Medal and a World War II Occupational Medal.

Preceding Loyd in death are two sisters, Joyce Bolick and Earnestien Edmenston, and one brother Boyd Tolbert.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara McLean Tolbert, three sons and two daughters, Mark Persinger and wife Sue of Baton, Andy Persinger of Hudson, Johnny “Eddie” Persinger and wife Jennifer of Lenoir, Amanda Odom and husband Kirk of Baton, and Tawna Huffman of Sawmills. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, five sisters Catherine Anderson and husband Dennis of Maryland, Ruth Watson of Maryland, Lea Walsh of South Carolina, Ellen Shell of Lenoir, and Grace McLemore of Hickory, a special brother-in-law, Billy Joe McLean and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Tolbert will be held on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Cajah’s Mountain Baptist Church with Pastor Doug Woody and Scott Winters officiating. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Lenoir with full military honors. The family will receive friends at Pendry’s Funeral Home on Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Memorial donations can be made to Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care.

Online condolences can be sent to the Tolbert family at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.

Pendry’s Funeral Home of Lenoir is honored to be serving the family of Master Sergeant Jiles Loyd Tolbert.