Earl Ray Toombs, age 88, of Saxe, VA, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mattie Toombs; and numerous brothers and sisters.

Earl is survived by his wife, Dorothy J. Toombs; his son, Steve Toombs; one grandson, Derek Toombs and his wife Tara; one granddaughter, Amanda Coats and husband, Justin; five great-grandchildren, Cole Toombs, Piper Toombs, Reece Toombs, Bridge Coats, and Lynnley Coats; two sisters, Ludy Collie and Bonnie Allen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Earl owned and operated multiple country stores in the community, where he met and made many friends through the years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends. Earl also enjoyed farming, hunting. fishing, and playing cards. He will be missed by his family and friends.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Saxe Cemetery, Saxe, VA. The Reverend John Craighead and Reverend Ralph Moore will be officiating. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.

Condolence Messages

  1. Gary Tilman Watts

    01 January 2025 1 month ago

    Our sincere condolences to the family of Earl Ray. He was a icon in the the Southside area. Many will miss him.

  2. Terri Covington

    01 January 2025 1 month ago

    Earl will be missed by so many ! I have known this man my whole life and I don’t think I have ever seen him when he wasn’t in the mood to talk ! My thoughts and prayers are with Steve, Dot and the rest of his family. May God wrap His arms around you and give you comfort and strength

  3. Sherry Smith Green

    01 January 2025 1 month ago

    So very sorry for your loss!

  4. Rosafriend

    01 January 2025 1 month ago

    My condolences and prayers sent to the Family of Mr. Earl Toombs

  5. Paul Goode and wife Evangelist Carolyn Goode

    01 January 2025 1 month ago

    Dear Toombs Family

    You have my sincere condolences and prayers.Your Father and rest of the family has helped me in so many ways.I am so grateful for knowing your . Father and the rest of the family .Mr Earl Toombs was a great Man who will be truly missed.Thank you again Steve and family praying for your strength comfort at this difficult time.

  6. Debbie Dunaway

    01 January 2025 1 month ago

    Hugs and prayers for all.
    Debbie Dunaway and Tony Vaughan

  7. Dean Foster

    02 January 2025 1 month ago

    As we live our lives we will encounter people we will never forget. Earl Toombs was one of those people. He was a kind and caring man that never met a stranger. Few will ever know of all the things he has done to help people in need. It didn’t matter who you were or what you look like he met you as a friend. At his store you could get fed an incredible meal and also counseling if you wanted it. He was one of my Hero’s. We can’t go by the store and talk , joke and laugh with him anymore, but we still have the memories he left us with and they are precious. To the family I’m so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing he was one of the best that ever lived. And he will never be forgotten by those that were fortunate to have known him.

  8. Terry Coomes

    02 January 2025 1 month ago

    So sorry to hear about Earl. Earl was like family to ours growing up. I know he will be truly missed. Terry Coomes (Lacks) and Larry Lacks

  9. Janice Noblin

    02 January 2025 1 month ago

    DOT STEVE AND FAMILY IM SO SORRY TO HEAR THE PASSING OF EARL HE WAS DIFFENTLY ONE OF A KIND NEVER KNEW A STRANGER HE WOULD SPEAK TO YOU NO MATTER WHO WAS AROUND MAY GOD COMFORT YOU ALL DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME RIP EARL TOOMBS

  10. Wayne Adams

    03 January 2025 1 month ago

    Dot, Steve, Derek and family,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember my early days in banking when Earl was on our board of directors at Virginia Southern Bank. He and my dad Billy were great friends, and my parents always enjoyed going to the store in Saxe and sharing a meal and a lot of laughs.
    Take Care.

  11. Joyce Bennett

    05 January 2025 1 month ago

    he was a good man he will be Miss more than anybody will know

  12. Dixie H Calhoun

    07 January 2025 1 month ago

    Our first snow of the season began falling at his interment on Sunday. This would have meant a run on milk and bread at the local gas/grocery, the predication on how much would fall, how long would it last and a host of other discussions that Earl Ray would be in the middle of at his store. Earl Ray was my mother’s youngest brother. He was a good hearted, kind man who always had a smile for friends and family. My thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family.

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