Thomas "Tommy" Toney

Thomas "Tommy" Toney, born on August 19, 1941, in Oxford, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his residence in Batesville, Mississippi, on October 17, 2025. He was a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching and mentoring profoundly impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues over his distinguished career spanning more than 59 years.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wells Funeral Home in Batesville, Mississippi. A funeral service will take place the following day, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with interment immediately following at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville, Mississippi.

Tommy began his educational journey after graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences from Mississippi State University, followed by a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Mississippi in 1966. Throughout his career, he held various significant positions including Assistant Principal, High School Principal, Attendance Center Principal, Headmaster, Guidance Counselor, Driver Education Teacher, and Coach, while also teaching subjects such as social studies, science, and math. His career took him to several esteemed institutions, including Marks High School, Waynesboro Central High School, Clark Academy, Whynot Academy, Buckatunna High School, and concluded at North Panola High School where he served as the Guidance Counselor. His dedication to his students and their futures was unwavering, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.

Outside of his professional life, Tommy was significantly involved in his community. From 2010 to 2025, he served as the Panola Dogs Scholarship Chairman, showing his commitment to providing opportunities for local students. Additionally, from 2003 to 2025, he held the position of President of the Panola County Historical and Genealogical Society (PAN-GENS), reflecting his dedication to preserving local history and fostering community engagement.

Tommy is remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for his deep-seated love for his community and his commitment to enriching the lives of those around him. His legacy as a dedicated educator and community leader will continue to inspire many.

Tommy Toney leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to education that will not be forgotten. He also leaves behind a loving family, who will miss him the most.

The family he leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Virginia Odom Toney of Batesville, MS; three children, Russell Toney (Jennie) of Lake Worth, FL, Randy Toney of Batesville, MS, and René Toney Still of Batesville, MS; 7 grandchildren, Julianna Toney, Addison Toney, Maximus Toney, Tailer Toney, Blake Coker, Bryce Coker, and Alexis Still, as well as one step grandson, Hunter Kracher; 4 great grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frances “F.E.” Toney and Sarah Harmon Toney; one sister, Elizabeth Ann Toney Boehm; and his niece, Beth Boehm.