
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Ira Gene Tooley, 80, of Port Richey, Florida, formerly of Barboursville, WV went to his heavenly home on June 26, 2023, with his loving family by his side. He graduated from Barboursville High School where he played football and ran track. Gene was employed at Coca-Cola then later retired from Frito Lay.
He was born on April 3, 1943 , the “baby” of the late Lawrence and Emma Tooley and had nine brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by a son, William Lee Tooley and a granddaughter, Heather LaShay Tooley.
Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. On September 24, 1962, he married the love of his life, Donna Sue Tooley. For over 61 years, they demonstrated unconditional love and devotion. Gene had two daughters that loved and adored him greatly, Kari Evans (Phillip) of Tarpon Springs, FL and Shari Bragg (Max) of Port Richey, FL. His daughters and Donna would like to extend their gratitude to Max, whom Gene shared a special bond with and who spent countless hours caring for Gene over the last several months.
Gene had three grandchildren, Cortnei Miller (Lee) whom he loved and adored, Hollie Tooley Plybon, and William Craig Tooley. He also had one great-grandson that he cherished and enjoyed spending time with, Brody Lee Miller.
He loved the visits and calls from his nieces and nephews. And a special thank you to Debbie Albright, Kathy Hunt, Vickie Cooke, Lynn Tomblin, Connie Young, Bub Tooley, Charlie Tooley and Arthur Taylor for loving him and putting a smile on his face with their presence.
Gene devoted his life to serving God first and foremost. He was a member of the Camp Creek FWB Church of Lavalette, WV where he served as Trustee and Deacon for over 40 years. One of his favorite things to do was to drive the church van to pick up the children, veterans, and the elderly.
Viewing will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Camp Creek Freewill Baptist Church on Saturday, July 1, 2023, with services to follow at 3 p.m. Burial will be at Tooley Cemetery.
The family requests in lieu of flowers to please send donations to Gulfside Hospice, New Port Richey, Florida in memory of Ira Gene Tooley or to Camp Creek Freewill Baptist Church of Lavalette, WV.
Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.