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Rex Toothman Obituary
Longtime educator Rex Clifford Toothman died Sunday, May 28, 2017, at his home in Tallahassee. He was 95.
He died on what would have been his 70th wedding anniversary with his late wife, Nelda Church Toothman.
Born March 6, 1922, into a coal mining West Virginia family, he was educated in a one-room schoolhouse by a teacher who embedded in him a great love of learning and reading.
A graduate of Western Kentucky University, he received his M.A. from Florida Southern College in 1947.
He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Pacific area. His lifetime career in education included serving as coordinator and county supervisor for Polk County Schools in the 1950s, consultant and supervisor for the Florida State Department of Education in Tallahassee and director of the Tallahassee component of the Southeastern Education Laboratory.
In the mid-1950s, he operated a furniture store in Lakeland with Kirk McKay.
He was the dean of vocational education at the University of South Florida before becoming an education consultant. In his 80s, he trained to become a personal life coach -- a position he loved and operated from his home.
Rex was passionate about tennis and dancing, and both were incorporated into his life for maximum benefit. He played tennis into his early 90s, and attributed his excellent health to exercise.
He stayed in touch with his children via a nearly daily family email chain. In his last missive days before his death, he wrote:
How's everybody? I'm first-rate and feel fortunate to be able to say that at age 95. If there's anything exciting going on here, no one has told me about it. So I'll settle for peace and quiet. Looking forward to hearing about your respective days.
Your ever-loving Daddy.
xxxxxxoooooo
He is survived by his children, Billy Gay (Nikki) Lakeland, Nancy Roberts Murray (Ken), Fairbanks, AK., Mary Toothman (John Dunn), Lakeland and Tommy Toothman, of Tallahassee; his grandchildren, Carlos and Jessica Gay, of Lakeland, Matthew Hood Roberts, of New York, N.Y. And Taylor Toothman Dunn, of Fairbanks, AK., and two great-grandsons, Drayke Gay and Dayne Gay, of Lakeland.
Plans are in progress for a celebration of life to be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rex Toothman
Sponsored by Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park - Tallahassee.
C Danenburg
February 21, 2018
My father, Bill Danenburg, loved to tell stories about his longtime colleague, Dr. Toothman. I remember at around age 3 wondering what a "tooth man" looked like. Rex came to Dad's funeral and was as kind as ever, with a sweet hug, and a twinkle in his eye. He had a huge impact on Dad and that was felt by our whole family. Blessings to those who knew and loved him.
Bill Blank
June 9, 2017
So sad to hear of Rex's passing. He was chair of the Adult & Vocational Education Dept. when USF recruited me to the faculty. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him over the years and admired his calm demeanor, smooth touch, integrity and bright intellect. Rex, I know you'll be missed by family and friends.
June 5, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Rex, Nelda and the entire Toothman family has a special place in my heart. I am blessed that our paths crossed in the 1960's and the love, support, and encouragement never ended. It is befitting that Rex transitioned on the date of their anniversary, He missed Nelda terribly. May God continue to bless and keep you all is my prayer. Love, Rev. Dr. Irene B. Wimbush
June 5, 2017
I remember Mr. Toothman well. He was ever kind and put up with us tying the ponies behind the house. I even remember riding in that red and white VW bug. Love and thoughts to you all.
Mary Jackson Landon
Family
Judy Rowley
June 4, 2017
Dear Uncle Rex
You are missed and loved by many. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Jim Wilt
June 3, 2017
Uncle Rex was a wonderful person. He lived a long and good life. He will not be forgotten.
Dr. Frank R. Satchel, Jr.
June 2, 2017
Sincere and heartfelt sympathy. Rex was a wonderful teacher and advisor to me while attending USF. It was a pleasure to work with Rex and Nelda. God's blessings to the entire family, friends and coworkers of Rex.
Nichole Kollman
June 2, 2017
Mary and family, you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. My condolences to you and yours.
June 2, 2017
Rex Toothman was a wonderful role model to my friend, Mary. She loved her "Daddy" so. Kind-hearted Rex gave his all to family, friends, sports and his work, often wearing a beautiful smile. Beth Foushee
Dennis Natoli
June 2, 2017
My Deepest Condolences.. Prayers to the Family...
Merrie Lynn Parker
June 2, 2017
I was a benificiary of Rex's extraordinary intellect, insight, and genuine compassion as my life coach during a significant transition in my career. I am forever grateful for his warmth and candid counsel.
Richard Gunnels
June 2, 2017
I am sorry to hear of your loss. You had him a long time and he loved all of you dearly.
Tom and Sherry Conner
June 2, 2017
So Sorry Tommy
June 2, 2017
Rex Toothman was a great man, kind-hearted, father figure, comforter, peacemaker, and friend. When my dad died one late Christmas Eve holding my hand with Rex, his best friend, by our side Rex said softly "Jesus called Jack to be with him on his birthday". That was Rex, soft spoken comforter. Rest in peace Rex. John
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