Harris Eugene “Gene” Toney, 61, died on January 23, 2014.
He was one of 11 children born to Reverend Harris Toney and Mrs. Marie C. Toney, on Sept. 30, 1952, in Madison, Al. He was baptized at an early age at Gospel Lighthouse Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Gene was an active member of Christian Fellowship Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served on the Usher Board and in the Male Chorus. He attended Chattanooga Public schools. After graduating from Riverside High School in 1970, Gene attended Oak Ridge Associated University (Training and Technology) 1970-1972.
Gene was formerly employed with the Colonial Baking Company and the City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Department.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Riley Toney and Mrs. Ella Lee Caudle.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Belinda Smith Toney and his parents. He was the proud father of one daughter, Tami (Kevin) Waites; three sons, Gary (Lisa) Toney; Tannis (Denise) Hall; and Elliott Toney; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Toney Johnson; Elaine Toney (Frank) Hill; Teresa Toney (Lee) Merrill; and Renee Toney Phifer; brothers, Calvin (Judy) Toney; Gregory,(Audrey) Toney; Donald (Pamela) Toney; Ardis (Darlene) Toney, Danny (Donna) Toney; and Cedric (Venita) Toney; sSisters-in-law, Wanda Smith O’Neal; Jacqueline (Ernest) Varner, Acworth, Ga.; brothers-in-law: Rev. Alvin (Johnnie) Smith, Knoxville; James (Donna) Smith; JaMichael (Dalia) Smith, Murrieta, Ca.; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be at noon on Friday, Jan. 31, at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Garden East.
The body will lie in state after noon on Thursday, Jan. 30, and the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.