James D. Toomey

James (J.D.) Toomey, age 79 , a resident of Old Fort, passed away Wednesday, September 8, 2010 in a Chattanooga hospital. He worked at Kelman's and Cleveland Chair until he retired in 1994. He then worked as a maintenance man at South Polk Elementary School where he loved all the children he came in contact with. He was a great Christian man and served as a deacon at Blue Ridge Temple Baptist Church where he was a member. He was a wonderful person and was often the first person to welcome you, always with a warm hug and a smile. He loved to fish and spend most of his time outdoors or in his shop. He was always there to give a great smile and touched more lives than anyone will ever know. He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Toomey and Sallie Burris Toomey; brothers, Brad and Thomas Toomey; and sisters, Louise and Lois Toomey. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Lorene Toomey; daughter, Drucilla Taylor and husband, Bob; granddaughter, Rachael Gregory and husband, Brandon, all of Old Fort; nephews, Byron Toomey and wife, Christine and Michael Toomey and wife, Kim and their children Megan and Caleb, all of Calhoun. He is also survived by special nieces, Randa and Casey Trantham and several honorary granddaughters. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2010 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with the Reverend Leroy Elliot and the Reverend Steve Beavers officiating. Interment will follow in Dill Cemetery in Old Fort with Michael Toomey, Byron Toomey, Tommy Sims, Tim Morris, Dickie Parks and Brandon Gregory serving as pallbearers. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony. His family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 10, 2010 at the funeral home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Toomey family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.