George Marion Toler, Jr.

Mr. George Marion Toler, Jr., 86, ended his earthly journey and entered into the more immediate presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 18, 2012 following several weeks of declining health. Born July 9, 1925, Mr. Toler was a native of Rockingham County, NC, one of eight children born to the late George Marion and Ruth Cayton Toler. Mr. Toler left Rockingham County when he was sixteen and a half and went to work at Langley Air Corps Base and later at the Orlando, Fla. Army Air Corps Base. Shortly thereafter, George joined the US Navy and became an aviation flight engineer. He was a member of Naval Aviation Squadron VPB-27, and for his service on 25 missions, received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mr. Toler was among several veterans whose WWII memories were featured in a book entitled ""Our Neighbors, Our Heroes - An Oral History of Rural Hall, North Carolina World War II Veterans"". He was honored to be among veterans taking the Flight of Honor to Washington, DC in April, 2010. On August 27, 1947 Mr. Toler married Peggy Elizabeth Griffin in the Rural Hall Church of Christ, where she and her parents were members, and where, for many years after their marriage, George and Peggy continued to worship. Later they joined First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, where George and Peggy remained active members and enjoyed the Christian fellowship of the Covenant Sunday School Class. For 60 years, Mr. Toler was a member of Pilot Masonic Lodge # 493 AF and AM. He attained 32° in the Winston-Salem Valley of Scottish Rite in 1967 and he was invested with the KCCH in 1973. Although he enjoyed an illustrious professional career, George Toler was happiest being known as ""Peggy's helper"" as the couple exhibited their antiquities and collectables at shows throughout NC and Virginia. Mr. Toler is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Peggy Griffin Toler, of the home; two sisters, Frances Austin of Burlington, NC and Neva Evans of Ruffin, NC; as well as several nieces and nephews. A service celebrating the life of George Toler will be held 4:00 PM, Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Hayworth-Miller Rural Hall Chapel. Rev. Dr. Jeff White of First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Masonic Rites will be offered by Pilot Masonic Lodge # 493 AF and AM. Memorials may be directed to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 or to WhiteStone, A Masonic and Eastern Star Community, 700 S. Holden Road, Greensboro, NC 27047.

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