Harris Lee Toney, Sr.
Harris Lee Toney, Sr., 75, died Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
He was born January 18, 1945 to Mattie Irving Toney and Ivan Toney, Sr., in Madison, Alabama. He served as pastor of New Vernon Grove Missionary Baptist Church for more than 30 years. While serving as pastor, he was also known for his strong work ethic and was an employee of Professional Concrete Finishing Company. In all of his capacities, he was known to readily share his beliefs about salvation through Jesus Christ and his love for the God of the Bible.
Harris was a 1964 graduate of Trinity High School. His most important education was his time as a student of Covington Theological Seminary where he was introduced to the truth of Sovereign Grace. His focus of study was theology and upon completion he was passionate about sharing what he learned with the people of God.
His first preaching assignment was at Pierce Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor C.L. Hendricks. He was later called to pastor Robbins Street Baptist Church, followed by Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. In 1987, Pastor B.L. Patton appointed him as the Assistant Pastor of New Vernon Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He served in this capacity until being installed as Pastor of New Vernon Grove on July 15, 1990.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mattie and his brother James E. Toney.
He leaves cherished memories in the hearts of: wife, Latisha L. Toney; sons: David Kirby, Madison, AL; Bryan (Charlotte) Wright, Louisville, KY; and Efrem Toney, Harris (Rosetta) Toney, Jr., Mark (Kim) Toney, Gregory Toney, and William Toney all of Chattanooga, TN; daughters: Sherunda (Rickey) Davis, Chattanooga, TN, Gloria Toney-Fleets, Lithonia, GA, Sheila (Horace) Jenkins, Chattanooga, TN, Monica King Chattanooga, TN, and Morvika (Ewart) Williams , Glenwood, GA; father Ivan Toney, Sr, Madison, AL; siblings: Mahalia (Gilbert) Warner, Madison, AL, Ivan (Annie) Toney, Jr., Bakewell, TN, Pearlie (Roosevelt) Jones, Madison, AL, Catherine Toney, Madison, AL, Jerry (Debra) Walton, Lithonia, GA, Hattie Rice Earskine, Athens, AL, Jean Glover, Athens, AL, and Michael (Sandra) Toney, Madison, AL; uncle John (Jackie) Irving and aunt Lillie (Anthony) Townsend, both of Athens, AL. He will additionally be remembered by bonus daughters: Mia Edwards, Diane Toney, and Sabrina Patillo and a large host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pastor Toney will lie in state on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 9-11 a.m. at Advantage Funeral Home-Franklin-Strickland Chapel 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404. Funeral services will be private due COVID-19 restrictions.
We respectfully request that social distancing and all CDC COVID-19 measures be adhered to. Masks will be required.
Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414. Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com