Obituary of Dewey Edward Toms, Jr.

Dewey Edward Toms, Jr., 80 of  Bedford, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017 at his residence.  He was born on Saturday, July 24, 1937  in Bedford County, a son of the late Dewey Edward Toms, Sr.  and Louise Elizabeth DeWitt Toms.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Lionel W. Toms & his nephew, John W. Toms.     

Dewey was a dedicated driver for J. C. Nichols Oil Co. for twenty-six years with many grateful customers.  He was a current employee of Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, a member of Faith Hope Ministries, a member of Peaksville Odd Fellows Lodge # 406 for forty-eight years and was secretary for forty-five years.  He was a charter member of Stoney Creek Rebekah Lodge # 103 and was Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia.  He was the Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Virginia for ten years.  He loved and lived Oddfellowship.  He also loved farming and farmed for sixty-five years after the death of his father when he was 15 years old.  He never met a stranger and enjoyed people, spending time with family & friends and talking about the old days and the history of the community. 

He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Dora DeWitt Toms; his son, Ronald L. Toms & wife, Bonnie; his daughters, Wanda G. Toms, Sheila Toms Orange & husband, Gary; his sister-in-law, Mary L. Toms;  his nephew, Jason L. Toms; his great nephew, John W. Toms & his mother, Melinda all of Bedford as well as his extended family, Rick & Mary Reynolds of TX and numerous cousins & friends.  

The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider Centra Hospice, 1621 Whitfield Drive, # C, Bedford, VA 24523 or Bedford Lifesaving Crew, P. O. Box 161, Bedford, VA 24523.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Joe Thompson officiating.  Interment will follow in Suck Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.  Friends may call after 12 noon on Monday and the family will receive friends from 5 until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.