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John Tolbert Obituary
November 25, 1928 - February 22, 2022
John Stanley Tolbert, 93, of Hickory, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at Carolina Caring.
Born Nov. 25, 1928, in Caldwell County, he was the son of the late Jarvis Coley and Bergie Bush Tolbert. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Yates Tolbert; brother, Harold Edward Tolbert; and sister, Nancy Tolbert Long.
John was a graduate of Lenoir High School, graduated from Davidson College and did post graduate work at UNC-Chapel Hill. He joined the U.S. Navy as an officer, serving during the Korean War. He then worked at Price Waterhouse in New York City followed by his move to Hickory to join Thomas V. Bumbarger & Co. as a CPA. After his retirement, John worked in real estate and was a general contractor. He served as a member of the Hickory Rescue Squad for many years, was a Winter Emergency Care Instructor and served on the Sugar Mountain Ski Patrol.
John was an avid golfer, a member of the New Horizon Band playing the trombone and he also loved sailing. He was always active personally as well as in the community. John never met a stranger and made everyone he met feel special. He was loved by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia K. Tolbert of Hickory; son, Paul C. Tolbert of Hickory; granddaughters, Kathryn Osborne and husband, Derek of Redmond, Ore., and Cecily Bolton and husband, Brian Harrison of Charlotte; great-grandchildren, Ella and Palmer Osborne of Redmond; sister-in-law, Jean Tolbert of Columbia, S.C.; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir.
Memorials may be sent to Carolina Caring, 2975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.
www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com
Memories and Condolences
for John Tolbert
Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.
5 Entries
Jerry & Donna Parkhurst White
February 24, 2022
Sorry to hear of John's passing. We worked with him several times to purchase a house. He also was a Navy buddy of my dad.
Karen Summey
February 24, 2022
Dear Tolbert Family,
Our hearts go out to you on the loss of John. He was a dear, sweet soul. I haven't seen him since about 2010, but I knew him when I helped Len Allman start the Catawba Valley New Horizons Band many years ago. John played right beside my husband, Jim, who played baritone, and also with my sister-in-law, Cynthia. We were so happy to see his smiling face on practice days. How wonderful that he had the gift of music in his senior years. I pray that God will grant you all peace and comfort as you remember your dear John in the weeks and years to come.
Caroline (Tolbert) & Emery Eller
February 23, 2022
We are sorry for your loss. John was a fine person and I was blessed to have him as my cousin.
George Quinlan
February 23, 2022
I knew John through AARP Tax. He was always a gentleman of the highest standard and will be fondly remembered for his kindness.
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